Betts hails Vikings' defensive effort

Denis Betts hailed Widnes' defensive effort after an emphatic 32-4 victory over Catalans Dragons ensured the Frenchmen have to settle for fifth spot at the end of the regular Super League season.

Catalans were pipped by St Helens for fourth place after crashing to their sixth league and cup defeat in a row.

Widnes had lost six of their last seven home matches, but were in fine form as they tore the Dragons apart, with and without the ball.

"Defensively we were really good and we were also clinical in attack," said Betts.

"It was a hard-fought win and the pack were outstanding. Kev Brown was really smart going for penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking over in the first half."

Scrum-half Joe Mellor turned in a man-of-the-match display for Widnes, who jumped to seventh place, on his 100th Super League appearance.

The Vikings led 14-4 at the break with tries from Corey Thompson, who also booted three goals, and Patrick Ah Van.

The Dragons could only reply with a Dave Taylor touchdown and Widnes sealed an emphatic victory with second-half touchdowns from Mellor, Aaron Heremaia and Stefan Marsh, who also landed three conversions.

Betts added: "We have not been out of the eight all year and we are now looking forward to playing the top teams.

"We are only three and four wins behind Catalans and St Helens and we are setting realistic goals to push ourselves into a higher position.

"Joe Mellor has been outstanding all year and we are in a decent place as a group."

Catalans coach Laurent Frayssinous said: "It was very disappointing. I was happy with the first 20 or 25 minutes but then we didn't respect the ball enough and conceded some soft tries.

"It's frustrating but we have two weeks now to regroup and make sure we reach our objective. It's been a tough last month with injuries but I am confident for the next few weeks.

"Todd Carney has been unable to train for two weeks but wanted to play today to help his team-mates."