Widnes Vikings plunder their way to record win in North Wales Crusaders' clash

WIDNES VIKINGS strengthened their Championship play-off push as they completed a league double over North Wales Crusaders. Allan Coleman’s side came out on top in the Colwyn Bay sun by a 116-6 margin, keeping Widnes well positioned in the upper reaches of the standings. There was a fast start from the Vikings and former Cru player Kieran Taylor grabbed the opening try in the third minute. This was converted by Danny Richardson, who also added the extras to Mike Butt’s sixth minute score. Widnes remained on the front foot after this, with Richardson on the money to convert his own 10th minute score, before Matty Fozard added his side’s fourth try three minutes later. Frank Sargent grabbed the next try in the 17th minute, prior to Butt’s second score in the 20th minute. Richardson scored his second try late in the first half and he also added the extras after Sargent doubled up, leaving Widnes 44-0 to the good at the interval. There was no let up from Widnes when the second half got going and Sargent had his hat-trick score three minutes after the restart. Jack Owens, Danny Langtree, Max Roberts and Lewis Hall crossed the whitewash, before Richardson had his hat-trick try. Owens, Roberts and Nathan Connell continued the try-scoring theme, taking Vikings’ tally close to the century mark. There was a bright spot for Cru with Joe Bradley’s converted score, prior to Connell’s effort taking Vikings’ total into three figures. Connell and Butt grabbed their hat-trick scores late on, completing a club record win for Widnes.