Duffy proves a hit to seal win for Vikings

Apr 24 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

SCRUM-HALF John Duffy laid on three excellent tries as Widnes proved too strong for resurgent Doncaster at Keepmoat Stadium, writes Ian Cheveau.

Duffy was in excellent form and deft passes to Ian Hardman, Tommy Gallagher and Gavin Dodd meant Vikings brushed aside dogged Doncaster in the Carnegie Challenge Cup’s fourth round.

Vikings didn’t have it all their own way and it could have been a different game had the Dons received the benefit of the doubt over a disallowed score.

But, fortunately for Widnes, they got the break they deserved to hit back in style.

Dean Gaskell had got the visitors off to an ideal start but Doncaster hit back with a couple of tries from Luke Gale and Andreas Bauer with Kyle Briggs adding one conversion.

Doncaster looked good value for their lead and, after half an hour, were threatening to run away with it.

But resilient Widnes played intelligent rugby to find themselves in front by the break – after two tries from Hardman and a four-pointer by Gallagher.

When Duffy sent in Gallagher, the wind was taken out of Doncaster’s sails and they never recovered.

The 22-12 interval scoreline didn’t tell the true story but Widnes built on this and were easy victors in the end against the leaders of The Co-operative National League Two.

Duffy put Dodd over early in the second half – the game all over as a contest, despite Doncaster’s best effort to get back into it.

Scott Yates was next to cross for Widnes as he picked up a loose ball.

Dayne Donoghue deserved his try late on and Hartley’s fifth goal made the outcome convincing.