Hull KR beat Widnes in low-scoring affair

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Highlights of the Qualifiers clash between Widnes and Hull K R from the Select Security Stadium.

Hull KR warmed up for next week's Challenge Cup final with a 12-8 win over Widnes on Sunday.

It was a hard-fought victory for Chris Chester's side, as tries from Kris Welham and debutant George Lawler sent the Robins to the top of the Super 8s Qualifiers at the expense of the misfiring Vikings.

Rovers made several changes for the encounter, bringing in Matthew Marsh, Dane Tilse, Aaron Ollett, John Boudezba as well as handing Lawler his debut.

The Vikings were forced to draft in Danny Tickle and Chris Clarkson for injured duo Willie Isa and Macgraff Leuluai, but there was an absence of the same opportunities that were created in the thrashing of Sheffield just a week ago.

Poor handling and execution from both sides meant the score was just 6-0 to Hull as they went into the break.

It could have been worse for Widnes, who failed to routinely cope with the high bombs, and it was one such kick that led to the opening try of the game. Marsh sent up the kick but full-back Rhys Hanbury let the ball bounce.

It fell for Welham who dotted down for the only try of the half, which was converted by Josh Mantellato.

Josh Mantellato of Hull Kingston Rovers kicks at goal

The Vikings hit back straight after the break, with Hanbury and his neat footwork creating the space for Charly Runciman to power over.

Lloyd White missed the conversion from out wide but Widnes were looking like a side on the up.

Runciman then threatened down the left for the Vikings, and he had a golden opportunity to put Widnes ahead, but he made the wrong call to try score it himself when the supporting Stefan Marsh was a better option to run the ball in.

The Robins replied with a charge of their own and Welham was close to a double, but were forced to wait until the 55th minute for the winning score.

It came in controversial circumstances as the Robins were nearly pulled for obstruction by the official, Joe Cobb, but the whistle did not come and Marsh's kick was fumbled by Kev Brown into the hands of Lawler for a crucial try.

Josh Mantellato hit his second conversion from in front and at 12-4, the Robins were well in charge.

Widnes had it all to do and tried to force it in the closing stages, with Matt Whitley grabbing a try in the final minute, but the home side could not score a third time as they were forced to settle for a 12-8 loss.