Widnes Vikings survived a late scare this afternoon at the Select Security Stadium and held off Hull Kingston Rovers to gain a 20-16 victory that takes the Vikings into fifth place in the Super League table.
Both sides scored three tries, but it was the goalkicking of stand-in kicker Jack Owens that was the difference between the teams, with Owens adding three conversions and a penalty for an unblemished four out of four, as opposed to his opposite number Josh Mantellato, who could only land two out of three conversions.
The other star of the show for the Vikings was Owens’ fellow winger Paddy Flynn, who scored a try in each half, while they also had a first-half try from Danny Galea.
The Viking led 14-4 at half-time, with the Robins’ only score being a try from fullback Ben Cockayne.
With Flynn’s second try the Vikings’ lead was extended to 16 points in the second half, but when Ken Sio and Kris Welham touched down within the space of four minutes, with Mantellato converting each try, anxiety started to mount for the Vikings.
Almost on the whistle a Campese bomb went to ground and was eventually touched down by Rovers halfback Albert Kelly. The referee declined to award a try but signalled for a Robins’ penalty as the hooter sounded, but the visitors couldn’t score a game-saving try.
A full report and photos from this game will feature in the new edition of Rugby League Express, available in the shops on Monday and online from around 10.00pm tonight.
