A DISAPPOINTING weekend in the capital brought Widnes Vikings back down to earth with a bump after hopes of a revival had soared over Easter.

Defeat to fellow strugglers London Broncos leaves Widnes with a must-win fixture against basement-boys Castleford Tigers on Sunday.

Widnes were menaced by Broncos' star man Dennis Moran throughout and after barely touching the ball in the first 15 minutes, did well to close the gap to 22-18 before the Broncos raced away at the end.

Despite the 34-18 defeat there were positives to take from the game and coach Neil Kelly will be pleased with newcomer Nicky Royle's third try in as many starts, along with the contributions of centre Adam Hughes and hooker Shane Millard, who both scored in a second-half comeback.

Off the pitch, meanwhile, Widnes Vikings have gone from strength to strength, with the announcement of a new sponsor.

Telecommunications giant O2 have been unveiled as new sponsors of the club's award-winning Vikings in the Community.

Together they have launched a series of collectable cards featuring players promoting lifestyle messages for Halton's young people.

Vikings' community projects manager, Pat Cluskey was delighted with the new deal, saying:

"Not only will we be getting important messages to over 3,000 of Halton's young people but a relationship with a top company like O2 can only help us all build a winning team on and off the pitch."

The 26 cards feature player pictures on the front while on the back are lifestyle messages about drugs, gambling, healthy eating, and crime, which schoolchildren can collect and stick on a wall poster.

O2's Ann McCracken, said: "Young people look to these players as role models and we are hoping they will take their lead and sign up for a healthier lifestyle."