28 .............. GIANTS lifts battling Giants! Betts out as Powell looks set to step in
It looked as though the Giants were going to surrender some points right on half time when the Vikings were awarded a penalty, but Tom Gilmore fired what looked a relatively routine kick wide of the target.
Widnes made a much more assertive start to the second period, but the Giants were disciplined in defence and when a Joe Mellor kick did threaten, Brough was quickest to react and put the ball into touch.
The Giants responded with a strong drive and Ollie Roberts was on hand to wrestle his way over the line for a try to which Brough added the goal.
The home side’s hopes were further damaged when Wellington Albert, who had been on the field only a minute after going on as a substitute, was sent off for leading with an elbow as he took the ball into a tackle.
The Giants made that setback hurt even more with a try seconds later as Lee Gaskell provided the perfect pass to send winger Jermaine McGillvary racing in at the corner.
Brough pulled his kick wide, and the Giants were then stunned as Widnes produced their most incisive play of the game with Joe Mellor slicing through to score, and Gilmore added the goal.
He was on target again two minutes later after a McGillvary slip led to Matt Whitley getting over the line. Fortunately, the Giants did not panic and Brough put them back on track with a simple penalty after another Vikings indiscretion in a tackle.
The Giants were then reduced to 12 as Hinchcliffe was sin-binned after a clash in a tackle and they were hurt again as, on the next attack, Stefan Marsh cut inside of a neat try, but Gilmore failed with the kick.
Yet again a Brough penalty – making him the seventh top scorer ever in Super League, steadied the ship and they managed to see out the contest without further scares.
Last night’s other result: Warrington Wolves 12 St Helens 30. DENIS BETTS has lost his job as England assistant coach, paving the way for Daryl Powell to take his place.
Betts, who was head coach Wayne Bennett’s right-hand man for the last two years, culminating in England reaching the 2017 World Cup final, is the one casualty from a mini shake-up announced by the Rugby Football League.
Former England internationals Jamie Peacock and Paul Wellens keep their roles as team manager and assistant coach respectively while Chris Black takes over as head of human performance from Richard Hunwicks, who has joined Catalans Dragons. ■■Chris Atkin admits he was lost for words when he received news of his call-up for the England Knights squad.
The 25-year-old Hull KR halfback made his Betfred Super League debut only a month ago but now has his sights set on playing for his country as he reflects on “a crazy 12 months”.
Atkin, who will be hoping to help Hull KR complete a notable double over Catalans Dragons today, says the telephone call from Knights coach Paul Anderson came as a shock.
“I didn’t really have too many words for him,” Atkin said. “I’ve normally got quite a bit to say but it left me stumped to be honest.”
Atkin, a graduate of Liverpool John Moores University who represented England in the 2013 Student World Cup, was playing for part-timers Swinton this time last year, not long after putting on hold his teaching career.
Myton Warriors v Kells (2.30), Normanton Knights v Wath Brow Hornets (2.30), Siddal v Hunslet Parkside (2.30), Thatto Heath v West Hull (2.30), Underbank Rangers v Wigan St Pats (2.30), Rochdale Mayfield v Egremont Rangers (4.30). Ovenden v Illingworth, Upton v Sharlston Rovers, Queens v Siddal King Cross Park v West Craven Warriors, Hollinwood v Ovenden A, Cowling Harlequins v Greetland All Rounders Eastmoor Dragons v Wakefield City, Wortley Dragons v Woodhouse Warriors Moorends Thorne v Methley Warriors, Kinsley Hotel Raiders v Doncaster Toll Bar, Dearne Valley Bulldogs v East Leeds, Featherstone Lions v Kippax Welfare Queensbury v Wyke, Moldgreen v
Wigan Warriors v Wakefield Trinity (3.0), Castleford Tigers v Salford Red Devils (3.30)
Dewsbury Rams v Toulouse, Featherstone Rovers v Swinton Lions, Halifax v Leigh Centurions, London Broncos v Batley Bulldogs, Rochdale Hornets v Barrow, Sheffield Eagles v Toronto Wolfpack (all 3.0)
Hemel Stags v Coventry (2.0), Doncaster v Whitehaven (3.0), Hunslet v Crusaders (3.0), Keighley v Bradford Bulls (3.0), Oldham v York (3.0), Workington v South Wales (3.0)