The Vikings suffered their third consecutive defeat this afternoon, falling 28-16 to Bradford Bulls at the DCBL Stadium.

Allan Coleman’s side held a narrow advantage at the break, but a string of second-half errors proved costly as the visitors fought back to claim the spoils.

It was the Vikings who struck first, Ben Condon climbing highest to claim a high kick before offloading to Dan Murray, who crossed for the try.

Bradford responded ten minutes later, Tom Holmes racing clear from deep to outpace Joe Edge and touch down, levelling the scores.

The Vikings regained the lead shortly after, Condon latching onto a short pass from Will Roberts to power over out wide. When Nick Gregson was caught high moments later, Roberts slotted the resulting penalty to extend the lead to 14-6.

However, the Bulls hit back on the stroke of half-time, Jayden Okunbor finishing in the corner to cut the deficit to four points at the interval.

Bradford came out strongly after the restart, Zac Fulton supporting a Luke Hooley break to score and hand the visitors their first lead of the afternoon.

A second penalty goal from Roberts, after another high shot, this time on Edge, brought the Vikings level at 16-16, but Bradford would finish the stronger.

With ten minutes remaining, Rhys Williams had possession stripped by Waqa Blake, and from the resulting play, Hooley exploited a disjointed defence to dive over and restore the Bulls’ advantage.

Okunbor then sealed victory in the final moments, intercepting a pass from Matt Fleming and racing 60 metres to score his second of the game and wrap up a 28-16 win for the visitors.

We turn our attention to a trip to the Steel City Stadium to take on Sheffield Eagles. Tickets are available HERE.

CREDIT: RLPIX.COM

 

TEAMS AND SCORERS

Widnes Vikings: Edge, Butt, M Roberts, Fleming, Williams, Patton, W Roberts, Murray, Johnstone, Bent, Condon, Lawton, Gregson

Interchanges: McWhirter, Fozard, Bennion, McKinney, Irwin (18th)

Tries: Murray, Condon

Goals: W Roberts x4

 

Bradford Bulls: Hooley, Okunbor, Blake, Gill, Armitage, Keyes, Holmes, Bayliss, Lilley, Mason, Fulton, Gee, Doro

Interchanges: Scurr, Souter, Hallas, Michael, Meadows (18th)

Tries: Okunbor x2, Homles, Fulton, Hooley

Goals: Hooley x4

 

ATTENDANCE: 3,304