London Broncos prevailed in the 1895 Cup Final, as expected, but the game was far tougher than the 32-10 scoreline would suggest.
Jason Demetriou’s side were heavy favourites with Widnes made a 9/1 shot of landing the upset win and whilst they were in the game for the thick end of an hour, they never once led.
In an error-prone game, it was London who came out on top as their strong season continues with the Broncos now set to finish their league campaign this Saturday before entering the Championship play-offs in round two.
Neil Tchamambe opened the scoring early on to set up what many had presumed would be an onslaught but the winger then knocked on from the kick-off, with Widnes having a period of sustained pressure.
The dam would burst as Danny Langtree powered over but on what felt like only London’s second visit into the Widnes half, they scored in a cruel reminder of how they can punish teams with Dean Hawkins converting his own try.
Danny Richardson would kick a penalty to make it 12-8 before half time and he’d add another in the 51st minute, pulling Widnes within two but London finally started to turn the screw and Luke Smith scored after Connor O’Beirne’s smart grubber kick.
That came on the 58th minute and Alex Walker’s 65th minute score sealed the game. London would still add two more though as Tchamambe got his second before Robert Mathias scored in the final minute, leaving Dean Hawkins no time to convert and add to his impressive points haul of 14.
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London Broncos XIII: Alex Walker; Neil Tchamambe, Brandon Webster-Manfield, Robert Mathias, Elliot Wallis; Gairo Voro, Dean Hawkins; Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Finley Glare, Epel Kapinias; Luke Smith, Jack Croft; Siliva Havili
Interchanges: Connor O’Beirne, Lewis Bienek, Emarly Bitungane, Sadiq Adebiyi
Tries: Neil Tchamambe (6 and 77), Dean Hawkins (24), Luke Smith (58), Alex Walker (65), Robert Mathias (80)
Conversions: Dean Hawkins (4/5)
Widnes Vikings XIII: Nathan Connell; Ryan Ince, Jack Owens, Max Roberts, Mike Butt; Danny Richardson, Tom Gilmore; Dan Murray, Jordan Johnstone, Jay Chapelhow; Sam Wilde, Danny Langtree; Nick Gregson
Interchanges: Lewis Hall, Adam Lawton, Morgan McWhirter, Max Banditt
Tries: Danny Langtree (20)
Conversions: Danny Richardson (1/1)
Penalties: Danny Richardson (2/2)
Congratulations, @LondonBroncosRL 👏
Your 2026 1895 Cup Final winners 🏆 pic.twitter.com/MIGBymkf8q
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) August 31, 2026
