Widnes Vikings cruise to dream start in the Championship with a win over London Broncos

The new era for the London Broncos got off to a difficult start following a 34-12 opening day defeat to the Widnes Vikings.

As expected, Widnes brought a strong following to a new ground on opening day and were rewarded for making the long journey within three minutes as Olly Davies strolled over to give them an early lead. London were being pinned back, and cut open far too easily on the flanks, allowing Ryan Ince and Matthew Fleming to increase the advantage.

The Vikings were looking imperious, but the hosts gave themselves a glimmer of hope after 15 minutes when Hull FC loanee Jude Ferreira was able to convert the Broncos’ first spell of pressure for his first score of the season.

However, a Lloyd Roby score at the opposite end quickly quashed the London momentum and the Vikings were in cruise control.

Jermaine Coleman has been made to recruit an almost entirely new squad due to reverting to part-time, and as a result of this, a collection of young players and players making the step up from League One have been recruited.

Fitness levels may have played a part in the Widnes score on the half-time hooter with Ince going over in the corner unchallenged by some weary Broncos legs.

However, the half-time break must have done the Broncos well as they came out with a point to prove, subsequently earning the first score of the half with Dean Parata becoming the second London debutant on the scoresheet.

In Rugby League, the best teams are often those who are able to hit back straight after conceding, and once again, Widnes were able to do just this.

Ince completed a delightful opening day hat-trick with a slick step inside of his man to open the gap for an easy score.

After a difficult season with Oldham last year, the signing of Ince may have turned a few heads as he showcased his class to the fans by scoring four tries on opening day. Remarkably, when Ince punished London for being short on numbers, he had quadrupled his tally from last season after just one game. Not a bad way to get your campaign underway.

London looked second best in every department, but a small consolation was found when Lameck Juma scored on his Championship debut for the Broncos.

Whilst on paper the Broncos kept it tight in the second period, in truth it looked as though Widnes never made it out of first gear and coasted to victory upon their competitive return.

With 2,182 in attendance at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, there was still cause for optimism. Back in 2019, the Broncos averaged around 2,000 in the Super League at their former home in Ealing. Undoubtedly, the new facilities will be a draw and you would expect that the likes of the Bradford Bulls, Leigh Centurions and Featherstone Rovers will all bring large followings down to South West London.

However, facilities can only do so much and performances on the pitch will have to warrant fans returning. As a part-time club, London are expected to be off the pace and as such may struggle to maintain those sorts of numbers as the season continues.

As for Widnes, they are looking to make a real challenge for a return to the Super League. Whilst the Vikings may not have the finances or personnel of some other clubs, there is certainly an air of positivity that they can reach the play-offs for the first time since their relegation from the Super League in 2018. They will return to the DCBL Halton Stadium to welcome another of the part-time outfits as they host Workington Town this weekend.

London cannot afford to dwell on such a result as they have a tricky trip to the Shay Stadium to face the Halifax Panthers next week.

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