Leigh 24-37 Widnes: Vikings claim first victory

Match Stats: Leigh 24-37 Widnes

Leigh tries: Tickle (26), Crooks (32, 52), Hopkins (62)
Conversions/Penalties: Reynolds (26, 32, 52, 62) 

Widnes tries: Bridge (4), Craven (13, 37, 67), Brooks (45), Runciman (80)
Conversions/Penalties: Gilmore (13, 21, 37, 45, 67, 80)
Drop-Goals: Gilmore (48) 

Match Report: First win for Vikings

Danny Craven scored a hat-trick as Widnes finally got their first Super League win of the season with a hard-fought victory at Leigh.

The stand-off and half-back partner Tom Gilmore produced superb performances as Widnes became only the second team to win at Leigh Sports Village this season.

Widnes made a bright start with a try in only the fourth minute. Gilmore's kick to the corner was grounded by Chris Bridge but Stefan Marsh could not add the conversion.

Denis Betts' men went further ahead 10 minutes later when Craven shot through a gap in the Centurions' defence to score from 15 metres. Gilmore took over the kicking duties and successfully added the goal along with a penalty soon after when Leigh were guilty of lying on at the tackle.

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The arrival of Liam Hood and Harrison Hansen from the bench freshened up the Centurions, who scored twice in quick succession. A short pass from stand-off Martyn Ridyard found Danny Tickle in support to score from close range against his former club in the 26th minute. Ben Reynolds added the conversion.

With eight minutes of the half remaining, Leigh scored a second try when centre Ben Crooks got in at the corner after being put clear by Ryan Hampshire. Reynolds converted to level the scores at 12-12.

Having soaked up so much pressure, Widnes made sure they went in at half-time with the lead as Craven supported a fine break through the middle by the lively hooker Jordan Johnstone. Gilmore's conversion made it 12-18 at the break.

Only four minutes of the second half had been played when Widnes increased their advantage as some quick passing to the right gave Sam Brooks space to cross the whitewash. Gilmore added the goal and moments later kicked a drop goal to open up a 25-12 lead.

The home side quickly responded with a second try from Crooks which Reynolds brilliantly converted from touch to make it 18-25.

Leigh cut the deficit to just a point with 18 minutes remaining when Sam Hopkins stormed onto Ridyard's short pass to score under the posts. Reynolds kicked the extras to make it 24-25.

But that was as close as Leigh got with the Vikings producing a strong finish to seal a much-needed win.

With 13 minutes remaining, Craven completed his hat-trick with a well-worked try in the corner and Gilmore again kicked the goal.

Leigh were reduced to 12 men with only four minutes to play as Crooks was sin-binned for holding down.

There was still time for Widnes to complete the scoring when centre Charly Runciman got over in the corner and Gilmore kicked the extras from touch.

Match Reaction

Widnes coach Denis Betts on his team's "dogged determination": "To say it was a gutsy performance is an understatement. We had 11 probable starters sat in the stand and lost two players to concussion in the first 20 minutes. For the last 20 minutes I had no subs left. It was a massive effort.

"There is a dogged determination within the group and we had our backs to the wall. We started the game really well and found some rhythm and Tom Gilmore gave us some great direction on his return from injury at half-back.

"I'm hoping that as players start coming back in the next few weeks that the challenge for places will drive us on. You can't underestimate how important this win is for us."

Leigh coach Neil Jukes on his side's defeat: "I have no complaints with the result. Too many people had an off day for us. We didn't show enough desire and just looked like a team that didn't want to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in.

"We got what we deserved today. I was nervous with the way we defended our tryline because we didn't seem to grasp what we had practised in training. As a team we will go through some tough periods this season. Our home games are really important to us and we have made this place a bit of a fortress so to lose today was very disappointing."