York Knights 39-6 Widnes Vikings: Match Report

York Knights are through to the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup semi-finals after a dominant 39-6 win over Widnes Vikings at the LNER Community Stadium.

Two tries from debutant Scott Galeano were amongst the seven scored by Mark Applegarth’s side in a game which saw them continue their winning streak.

It means they’re now within 80 minutes of an appearance at Wembley.

York got off to the ideal start, with captain, Liam Harris who capitalised on a mistake from the Widnes defence. Owens couldn’t take a kick from Paul McShane, and Harris collected, before converting his own try.

Soon after, they extended their lead with a try on debut from winger, Scott Galeano. Pressure built on the Widnes line resulted in a drop out, and that ended with Galeano scoring down the right. It was too far out for Harris to add the extras, but York were 10 points up in as many minutes.

The flying start continued when Paul McShane went over, and with Harris’ conversion, the Knights were still scoring at a rate of a point a minute.

The Vikings eventually started to settle, and got off the mark when Ryan Ince found his way over in the corner, and Tom Gilmore added the conversion.

However, the Knights scored again before half time to cancel out the Viking’s effort. Kieran Buchanan showed a great turn of pace to score, and with Harris again successful with the kick, York had a 22-6 lead at the break.

Galeano again went close just after the restart, but couldn’t ground the ball, but Jordan Thompson made no mistake when he got his opportunity just short of the hour mark. A typical run saw him power through the Widnes defence, and Harris added the extras.

Galeano finally got his second try when he again found his way over in the corner, taking a pass from Buchanan. Again, it was too far out for Harris to tag on a further two points.

Just four minutes later, Jack Martin forced his way over, and York were 30 points ahead.

Harris converted, and then added a drop goal on the final hooter to complete a dominant afternoon for the Knights.

The draw for the semi-finals will take place on Sunday 13th April.

York: Brown, Galeano, Buchanan, Field, Ferreira, McShane, Harris, Reynolds, Cook, Martin, Dee, Bailey, Thompson

Subs: Pemberton, Teanby, Santi, Ta’ai

18th Player: Law

Tries: Harris (5), Galeano (10,69), McShane (14), Buchanan (39), Thompson (57), Martin (73)

Goals: Harris (5/7)

Drop goal: Harris (79)

Widnes: Owens, Williams, Fleming, Edge, Ince, Patton, Gilmore, Murray, Fozard, Reilly, Lloyd, Langtree, Bent

Subs: Lyons, Lannon, Kirk, Roberts

18th Player: Bennion