Widnes Vikings 40 Wakefield Trinity 8: Struggling Wildcats told they are '˜playing for futures'

Chester issued a challenge to his players to improve before the end of the campaign and warned his squad that they were fighting for their futures following a ninth defeat in their last 11 games.

Pat Ah Van went over twice while Rhys Hanbury, Matty Whitley, Corey Thompson, Stef Marsh and Lloyd White were also on the scoresheet as Widnes, heavily beaten in their opening two games, ran out 40-8 victors to claim their first win of the Super 8s.

Wakefield replied through tries from Craig Hall and Ben Bishop-Jones but they looked a shadow of the side that had propelled them into the top eight and remain winless since the division split.

Widnes’ victory saw them leapfrog Castleford in sixth as they atoned for their 38-0 walloping against Hull last week.

“I do feel sorry for the fans,” said Chester.

“They know where we have come from, but today’s performance was disappointing.

“Widnes marched us up the field far too easily and put us under pressure which we didn’t handle well.

“We have got four weeks now to turn this around and there are players out there who are playing for contracts – so they should be looking over their shoulders really.

“We don’t want to finish this season on a downer – but it’s up to them.”

Widnes coach Denis Betts was delighted with his side’s ruthless start to the game as they opened up a comprehensive lead before half-time.

“The job was done and dusted at 24-0,” Betts said.

“They had some injuries but I was pleased with the roster that they brought here and we did a really professional job.”

Widnes Vikings: Hanbury, Thompson, Dean, Marsh, Ah Van, Mellor, Brown, Burke, White, Buchanan, Whitley, Houston, Cahill. Substitutes: J. Chapelhow, Dudson, Heremaia, Farrell.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: Jowitt, Hall, B. Tupou, Lyne, Jones-Bishop, Miller, Finn, Scruton, Moore, Arona, Molloy, Walton, Sio.Substitutes: Fifita, Yates, Batchelor, Arundel.

Referee: Gareth Hewer (RFL).