Match Report | Widnes Vikings 16-12 Sheffield Eagles

03/05/2026

Written by Spencer Arnold

The Eagles were on the end of a narrow 16-12 defeat against Widnes Vikings this afternoon in Round 12 of the Betfred Championship.

Head coach Craig Lingard made one notable change going into today’s fixture, with Lennie Ellis coming back into the squad in the absence of loanee Jordan Abdull, who was unable to play against his parent club.

After getting back to winning ways last week against Salford, Lingard was hoping his side could make it back-to-back wins, but they were dealt an early blow as Ryan Ince's try in the right corner handed Widnes an early lead at the DCBL Stadium after only four minutes. 

Six minutes later, the hosts extended their lead as Morgan McWhirter crashed over to score from close-range. 

Twenty minutes of close calls and errors from both sides followed, until the Eagles made their response and Ryan Millar dashed through to bring them back into the game on the half-hour mark.

Then, just moments later, Millar got his second try of the game, putting the Eagles ahead just before the half-time hooter. 

The second half continued with countless great efforts from both sides, until Widnes managed to get back ahead and finish the game with a try from Max Roberts after an event stalement inside the opening twenty minutes of the second half.

Widnes were able to hold on for the win, narrowly claiming a 16-12 victory against the Eagles across in Cheshire. 

The Eagles’ next fixture will be an away clash against Workington Town next Sunday, 10th May (3pm KO).

Widnes Vikings: Connell, Butt, Edge, Owens, Ince, Hayes, Gilmore, Murray, Johnstone, McWhirter, Roberts, Wilde, Hall

Interchanges (all used): Fozard, Langtree, Chapelhow, Houghton

18th Man: Lyons

Tries: Ince (4’), McWhirter (10’), Roberts (64’)

Goals: Hayes (2/3)

Sheffield Eagles: Brown, Millar, Oakes, Hodson, Walkley, Ellis, Morgan, Matongo, Johnson, Broadbent, Bower, Griffin, Reilly

Interchanges (all used): Gill, Butterworth, Bowes, Peachey

18th Man: Green 

Tries: Millar (30’,36’)

Goals: Morgan (2/2)