Super League: Widnes Vikings hold off Warrington Wolves in derby

Widnes put an end to Warrington's 10-match winning run with a 28-14 triumph over their local rivals at a raucous Select Security Stadium.

The Vikings registered just their second triumph in their last nine Super League outings thanks mainly to a superb first half that saw them go in at the break 16-0 ahead.

Jack Owens crossed twice in the contest as the hosts, whose recent miserable run of form had seen them in danger of slipping out of the play-off places, upset the odds in superb fashion.

The in-form Wolves had made the short trip off the back of a 72-12 thrashing of London Broncos, though they barely threatened to find the same kind of scoring form until it was ultimately too late in the day.

Widnes could have been even further clear after the first 40 minutes, though Warrington had chances themselves only to fritter them away.

Danny Galea went close for the home side as his driving run was stopped over the line by three Wolves tacklers, but Owens crossed for a well-taken effort on 10 minutes on the left flank from a cut-out pass.

Certain scorer

Wolves winger Gene Ormsby tried to hit back for Tony Smith's men but Cameron Phelps was up to the task metres from the Vikings line, while Anthony England looked a certain scorer until Rhys Hanbury ripped the ball from his grasp.

The full-back played a crucial role soon after at the opposite end of the field, accepting Hep Cahill's offload to grab a try that doubled Widnes' lead with both conversions added.

There was still time for Paddy Flynn to cross before half-time after Stef Marsh's flick pass created the opportunity, with Tickle's miss off the tee from out wide on the right a rare error from the home team.

Even when Warrington did threaten after the break it only resulted in them setting up the chance for the Vikings to move further clear.

Ormsby broke away but when his pass to the supporting Matty Russell was knocked on, the loose ball only allowed Flynn to go on a weaving run that eventually set up a simple run-in for Phelps in the left corner.

Tickle's conversion and subsequent penalty made it 24-0, leaving the Wolves with a real mountain to climb. They did threaten a comeback when Ryan Atkins' solo score from a set-piece scrum move was followed up by Chris Bridge touching down for a try he also converted.

However, the Vikings showed their fighting qualities to secure what could be two crucial points at the end of the regular season, Owens collecting Kevin Brown's kick out wide for a try that on replays looked like it had been knocked on.

Even though Ben Currie replied for Warrington it was too little, too late, Widnes had already done enough to avenge their 44-6 loss to the same opponents back on Good Friday.