Leigh 24-37 Widnes: Danny Craven hat-trick inspires Vikings
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 01/04/17 7:48pm
Danny Craven scored a hat-trick as Widnes finally got their first Betfred Super League win of the season with a hard-fought 37-24 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.
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 gave them an 18-12 advantage.
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.
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 a one-point game.
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.
