Batley Bulldogs 24 Widnes Vikings 32: Bulldogs caught cold by early blitz from Widnes as Webster shines

But the stunned Bulldogs made a brave stab at matching the Vikings display when they stormed through for three tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half to narrow the gap to

24-16.

It started when prop Sean Hesketh forced his way between the uprights and was followed by Jason Walton collecting two more touchdowns.

But although Batley were able to exert plenty of second-half pressure they just didn't have the skill, composure or the fortune to complete what might have been a remarkable turnaround. Instead they committed numerous mistakes and then allowed James Webster to slice through their ranks and create a superb try for Paddy Flynn which boosted the Widnes score to 30-16.

Ironically the Bulldogs supplied an even more spectacular display as Alex Brown beat four defenders by speed and strength on a 90-metre wing run to put the Bulldogs in the hunt again.

The tiring Vikings, seeking safety, opted to land a penalty goal to stretch the scoring gap but Batley still kept on pushing.

A good break by Josh Griffin almost provided a try for wingman Lee Greenwood. It was ruled out by referee Craig Halloran but Greenwood came back to claim another on the stroke of time.

Sadly Gareth Moore had an offday with his goalkicking, landing only two goals from five attempts and the misses proved crucial.

Batley: Campbell; Greenwood, Griffin, Maun, Brown; Handforth, Moore; Smith, Lythe, Hesketh, Buttery, Walton, Toohey. Substitutes: Lindsay, Wood, Toothill, Martin.

Widnes: Ford; Flynn, Love, Gardner, Yates; Thackeray, Webster; Gannon, Gerrard, James, Grady, Kavanagh, Doran. Substitutes: Hulme, Houghton, Davies, Kelly.

Referee: C Halloran (RFL).