MAGIC MASI CASTS SPELL
Wounded Vikings have no answer to Matongo
MASI MATONGO sparked a three-try Hull blitz to heap more misery on injuryplagued Widnes.
The Vikings had battled back from a 12-point deficit to lead early in the second half, despite their crowded treatment room gaining two more additions in Chris Dean and Chris Houston.
But Zimbabwean-born front-rower Matongo then ran a superb line to steam over under the posts virtually unchallenged.
And tries in the ensuing two sets from left-wing duo Josh Griffin and Fetuli Talanoa took the game away from the gallant home side.
Widnes had to play almost half an hour with no substitutes in last week’s defeat at Hull KR after picking up four injuries, and their shocking run of luck shows no signs of abating.
Hull had little time for sympathy and their clinical second-half burst proved the difference between the teams.
Lee Radford’s side had looked set for a runaway win when they scored two soft tries in the opening 14 minutes.
There was considerable skill involved, with Jake Connor’s flick pass putting Danny Washbrook in and Bureta Faraimo taking a high kick to stroll over. But home coach Denis Betts will have been disappointed with his side’s defence for both – although they then provided a response.
The Vikings hit back when good hands took advantage of Josh Griffin rushing out of the defensive line and Chris Houston sent Sam Wilde over out wide.
Tom Gilmore added a smart conversion and a
SUPER LEAGUE TABLE
penalty right on half-time to make it 8-12.
And his side were ahead when Tom Olbison forced his way over soon after the restart.
But then Matongo struck back immediately and Hull quickly sensed blood.
Griffin burst between attempted tackles by Joe Mellor and Aaron Heremaia and had enough pace to reach the corner, before Talanoa finished a clever Marc Sneyd kick.
Sneyd then added a drop goal to extend his side’s lead to 13 points, before Olbison strode over for his second.
But Hull had the final word as breakaway tries from Griffin and Jamie Shaul gave the final score a flattering look.