Leeds Rhinos ran in seven tries as they defeated Widnes Vikings 42-22 at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium to claim a sixth win in seven games. Here’s four things we learned from the result:
Rhinos rise to the top
The Easter Monday result saw Leeds go level on points with Castleford Tigers at the top of Super League. Brian McDermott’s men were helped out by Catalans and St Helens, who beat high-flying Salford and the Tigers respectively in other fixtures. Nevertheless, Leeds secured a massive win against lowly opponents which depicts realย progression from last season’s performance – the win also provides the impetus to stay within the top four.
Points galore for the hosts
Leeds’ second successive win ensured the club scored 94 points over the Easter period – their 52-24 away win at Hull FC was followed by their latest victory over Widnes. Furthermore, head coach McDermott has key try-scorers throughout his team. Hooker Matt Parcell scored a brace to make it four tries in three games – crossing in all three. Meanwhile, centre Kallum Watkins also claimed two efforts as well as seven conversions in a flawless performance from the Englishman.
Widnes sit rock bottom
Widnes suffered their eighth loss of the campaign on Easter Monday and now lie six points adrift of the Super Eights – three away from fellow strugglers Huddersfield in 11th. But there were some positives for Denis Betts’ side – 18-year-old Owen Farnworth made a good impression on his debut ย for the club while Liam Walsh also got his first run out as a Viking.
Second half complacency from McDermott’s men
Despite Leeds going into the half-time interval with a 30-6 lead, the hosts were complacent in the second half and allowed Widnes to reduce the deficit to eight after a second try from Tom Gilmore and one score each for Chris Houston and Corey Thompson. McDermott will want toย keep his players focused as they look to retain a spot at the top with a tie against Huddersfield following their Challenge Cup duties against Doncaster.
Leeds Rhinos 44 (30)
Tries:ย Matt Parcell (x2), Kallum Watkins (x2), Joel Moon (x2), Tom Briscoe (x1)
Goals:ย Kallum Watkins (x7)
Widnes Vikings 22 (6)
Tries:ย Tom Gilmore (x2), Chris Houston (x1), Corey Thompson (x1)
Goals:ย Tom Gilmore (x3)
