London disappointed by tough loss

London Broncos coach Rob Powell was left surprised and disappointed as his side were beaten 38-30 by Widnes on Sunday.

After encouraging displays in the past fortnight in the win over Castleford and hard-fought loss at Wigan, Powell was hopeful that his side could pick up their second win of the season against their fellow strugglers.

But despite a second half fightback, they were broken by Cameron Phelps‘ late try which moved the Vikings above the capital club in the table.

Powell told the club’s official website: “I think a few of the players got ahead of themselves. There was an assumption that as we had played well in the last two games that we would again today, but it does not work like that.

“We just expected things to happen, and when it didn’t it became very tough. Every game is a challenge and you have to be up for it, and that is a lesson we have to learn.”

London started the game slowly, and found themselves 12-0 down before they were even able to get hold of the ball – completing their first play of the ball in the 11th minute, after three knock ons had cost them any possession before hand.

Powell added: “We just have to start better. We cannot go into games having to score 30 or 40 points to win.

“I am pretty sure there will be a response and I am sure we will come out strong.”

Widnes led 18-6 at half time and Ben Davies‘ try early in the second half put them well in control at 24-6.

Mark Bryant pulled a try back for the Broncos before Widnes were reduced to 12 men when Ben Cross was sin-binned for a late hit on the kicker. Michael Witt converted his own try and then Liam Colbon scored in the corner, with Witt’s superb touchline conversion levelling things up at 24-24.

Lloyd White and Tony Clubb then exchanged tries to see the score out to 30-30, before Phelps scored with four minutes left on the clock.

Clubb saw yellow late on after he took out Gareth O’Brien while kicking, and the youngster from Warrington dusted himself off to slot home the subsequent penalty and make the win safe for the home side.