Jack’s the lad as Vikings round off their prep in style
fruitful spell, holding the Vikings out before cutting the deficit just five minutes from the break.
Opting to put the ball through hands again, Crusaders moved left and gave Rob Massam enough room to score on the left edge.
Tommy Johnson added the conversion, as Widnes held a 14-10 lead at the break.
Widnes replied within two minutes of the restart, as Lloyd Roby found a way through the Crusaders defence and sent the supporting Jack Johnson over for his second try in as many games.
The Vikings went close soon after as Baker managed to force the ball free in the tackle, however his offload evaded Deon Cross and found touch to bring the attack to an end.
On 54 minutes Widnes thought they had extended their lead, as Craven plucked Matty Smith’s kick out of the air to score under the crossbar, only for the referee to claim he had been in an offside position.
The ensuing penalty kick didn’t make it to touch, as Cross managed to keep the ball in play, and the hosts took full advantage with Johnson getting his second try of the game thanks to Joe Lyons’s cut-out ball.
Cross and Massam were locked in an intriguing battle out wide, with the Vikings number five saving a certain try on 65 minutes by putting his opposite number into touch.
With 11 minutes remaining, winger Johnson completed his hat-trick as he forced his way over on the short side, showing great strength. Owens landed the conversion to open up an 18-point cushion.
A minute later the lead was extended by a further six points. Baker haunted his former team once again when he collected Lyons’ grubber before beating the fullback and diving over for his second.
The final scoring play went the way of Crusaders, as Gavin Rodden intercepted a pass from Jacob Dugdale to race the length of the field and score.
Widnes now have a free weekend, before heading to Oldham for their opening fixture of the 2020 season on Sunday, February 2.