Super League: Michael Dobson stars as Hull KR thrash Widnes Vikings at Craven Park
Hull KR clinched their first win of the season in emphatic fashion with a 44-18 triumph over Widnes Vikings.
Last Updated: 17/02/13 6:09pm
Skipper Michael Dobson led the way for the Robins, scoring the opening try and kicking six goals as the Vikings were put to the sword at MS3 Craven Park.
Kris Welham marked his return from injury by touching down while there was also a try on debut for ex-Huddersfield full-back Greg Eden, who had missed the opening defeats to Catalan Dragons and Wakefield.
Widnes failed to muster a point as they trailed 34-0 at the half time, though they did put up more of a fight after the break. Gareth Hock scored one of their three tries, while Rhys Hanbury crossed and also kicked three goals.
Rovers breached the Vikings' defensive line six times in the opening 40 minutes to secure the two points by the midway stage, Dobson grabbing the first of them in the left-hand corner.
Omari Caro had set up the first try with a superb 60-metre break and then added a spectacular second, intercepting Hanbury's pass 20 metres from his own line before galloping clear.
On-loan forward Dale Ferguson powered his way through in the 21st minute to extend Rovers' lead further and Welham soon followed him over the line after Shaun Briscoe had failed to deal with a Dobson up-and-under.
Rhys Lovegrove laid on a try for Graeme Horne and then also assisted in Eden's effort, both finished off under the posts to leave easy conversions.
The Vikings did finally offer something as an attacking force at the start of the second half, leading to Hock scoring. Hanbury added the extras and then also converted his own try just after the hour mark, cutting the gap to 22.
However, that just seemed to spur Rovers back into life; Chris Heil made it two tries in three games for the Robins with a clever try and Craig Hall then showed his pace by taking the ball from the base of an attacking scrum to sprint clear to score with 10 minutes to play.
Widnes had the last word with a late consolation try from substitute Alex Gerrard, converted by Hanbury, but in truth they were soundly beaten by a Robins side that have now finally taken off in 2013.