Widnes 36 - Leigh 10: Chris Houston steals the spotlight for Vikings
CHRIS HOUSTON provided the inspiration as Widnes won the battle of the Super League’s worst two sides after a formidable first-half display.
The 32-year-old Aussie forward claimed a first-half brace and was outstanding throughout as the Vikings climbed off the foot of the table at the expense of woeful Leigh.
The Centurions had battered neighbours Wigan 50-34 in their previous outing but they were no match for a Widnes side who led 20-0 at the break.
It was the least they deserved for their stunning superiority.
The Vikings opened the scoring inside the third minute when Chris Bridge pounced to touch down a kick from Joe Mellor.
Rangi Chase, given a new lease of life after joining Widnes on loan from Castleford last month, was also prominent against his old club.
His delightful disguised pass sent Houston over for his first in the sixth minute and Leigh struggled badly go gain a foothold on proceedings.
Houston almost had his second in the 12th minute when Mitch Brown did superbly to hold up the former Newcastle Knights star.
But Widnes were not to be denied and winger Corey Thompson showed delightful footwork to weave his way over in the left corner in the 33rd minute.
Houston then burst onto a pass to score his second on the stroke of half-time but finally woke up and fashioned an impressive second-half response.
First, Nick Rawsthorne collected Josh Drinkwater’s exquisite long pass to touch down in the left corner and then second-rower Atelea Vea barrelled over for a second seven minutes later.
But Thompson soon raced clear for his second to ease Widnes’ nerves.
