RISKY BETTS
Relief for boss as Vikings survive Halifax fightback
Halifax 12 Widnes 36
DENIS BETTS is not enjoying his second spell in rugby league’s Qualifiers, but his side withstood a second-half revival from part-time Halifax to record an important win.
The Vikings looked in control at 26-0 before the home side stirred to narrow the gap to 14, and went close to further tries on three occasions.
Betts’ team stood firm in defence and completed the win with two late tries, with the result more important than the performance in an unforgiving two-month competition.
Betts (right) said: “It was a tough game against a decent Halifax side. They’ve worked really hard to get into this situation and they’re enjoying it.
“There’s a group of teams who know how to prepare for this competition.
“Halifax scraped their way in at the end, but the other sides have been getting ready for four weeks and Hull KR have been getting ready all season.
“It isn’t an enjoyable competition for us, and I’m not sure it was a great spectacle. There was plenty of drama but it was a rubbish game.”
Betts’ assessment was perhaps harsh given Halifax tested them extensively at times without ever looking likely to win. The Championship side trailed 6-0 to Chris Bridge’s try, and the game only went away from them in a 14-minute spell either side of half-time, as Widnes (above, celebrating) scored through Lloyd White, Charly Runciman and Corey Thompson twice. But Fax hit back as Ben Heaton twice touched down. The Vikings weathered the storm and eased to victory with further tries from half-backs Joe Mellor and Danny Craven.
Fax coach Richard Marshall said: “We had a tough lesson today.
“We missed three opportunities in the second half and in the Championship we probably get away with that – but we’ll learn.”