MATCH REPORT: vs Widnes Vikings - Pre-season

Rochdale Hornets were defeated 46-6 by Widnes Vikings at the DCBL Stadium in the first pre-season outing.

Tommy Porter crossed late for Hornets’ first try of 2023, while Joe Edge scored a hat-trick and 22-points for Widnes. 

The Rochdale supporters who travelled to Cheshire witnessed a new-look Hornets side. Gary Thornton has added a vast number of players to his squad during the winter break, and fans saw a mix of experienced, youth and trialists across the 80 minutes.   

Hornets started positively and in the opening five minutes, twice forced Widnes into defending on their try line. Dave Hewitt’s left boot asked questions of Vikings, however, Hornets were unable to turn the pressure into points.   

An offside infringement on half-way allowed Widnes possession on Rochdale’s 30m line, and the hosts quickly worked the ball to Matt Fleming who went over in the corner. Goal missed. 4-0, 8 minutes.

The hosts doubled their advantage mid-way through the half when Edge handed-off an attempted tackle to score his first of the match. Goal missed. 8-0, 20 minutes.

John Kear’s side looked dangerous in each attack and winger Ryan Ince scored Vikings’ third try with an impressive, acrobatic finish in the corner. Conversion missed. 12-0, 30 minutes.

Widnes’ pack included former Super League forwards Kyle Amor and Matty Fozard, but it was local-lad Shane Grady who powerfully forced his way over to add Vikings’ fourth. Goal scored. 18-0, 35 minutes.

With minutes remaining before the interval, the hosts crossed once more through Olly Davies who crashed over from close range. Goal scored.

Half time: Widnes Vikings 24-0 Rochdale Hornets

Hornets started the second half in similar fashion to the first, with some promising plays inside the Widnes half.

However, the hosts showed their clinical edge once more scoring three tries in five minutes to widen their advantage to 40-points.

Edge collected his delicate grubber kick to touch down his second of the match, and he completed his hat-trick two minutes when he dived over after Ince broke through Rochdale’s defence to carry the ball 40m. 34-0, 51 minutes.   

Vikings continued to come forward, and centre Max Roberts extended the points difference with a neat solo score after he weaved his way through multiple tackles. Goal scored. 40-0, 55 minutes.

Despite Ollie Brookes adding a ninth Widnes try with 10 minutes remaining, Rochdale’s hard-work paid off when Porter squeezed in the club’s first try of New Year.

Thornton and the lads battled proudly from the first to last whistle against higher division opposition, and the try came when Porter’s close range dart caught Widnes off-guard. Cian Tyrer made no mistake adding the extras.

Full time: Widnes Vikings 46-6 Rochdale Hornets

Rochdale Hornets starting line-up: Joe Purcell, Cian Tyrer, Daniel Harrison, William Cooke, Dan Nixon, Jack Mallinson, David Hewitt, Zach Braham, Aiden Roden, Ben Killman, Dan Brewin, Duane Straugheir (C), AJ Boardman.

Interchanges: Cameron Berry, Jack Arnold, Toby Brannan, Ethan O’Hanlon, Tommy Porter, Owen Blackwood, Andrew Clarke, Luke Forber, Jack Gatcliffe, Sam Haynes.

Referee: James Jones