Widness Vikings 26 Hull KR 32: Sandercock delighted as Rovers’ youngsters help halt losing streak

Sandercock gave debuts to centre Chris Heil and substitute George Griffin, and also included youngsters Louis Sheriff, Liam Salter and Dave Petersen.

And the changes paid off as Rovers scored six tries to five in a thrilling affair which Widnes led only once after Joe Mellor’s 90-second minute try.

“I was a little worried about playing so many youngsters but they rose to the occasion,” Sandercock said.

“They showed the right attitude and passion and that’s what kids can give you.

“They certainly stepped up to the mark.

“They are going to make mistakes but we need to persevere with them.

“Louis Sheriff made a mistake but bounced back and had a solid match. Ben Galea led from the front and was outstanding.”

The only blow for Rovers was a knee injury sustained by Blake Green, who did not appear in the second half and will have a scan today.

“Hopefully he will only be out a couple of weeks,” said Sandercock.

Rovers fell behind to a Joe Mellor try after 90 seconds but recovered to lead 18-8 at the interval through scores from Michael Dobson, Ryan O’Hara and David Hodgson before Stefan Marsh crossed for the hosts to round off the first-half scoring.

Kurt Haggerty and Danny Craven added second-half tries for Widnes, but they were cancelled out by Ben Galea and Graeme Horne and then Louis Sheriff’s late try put the result beyond doubt after Rhys Hanbury’s converted try had got the Vikings to within two points of the Robins.

The Vikings lost Ben Cross and Mellor to injury in the first 12 minutes and then Steve Pickersgill was forced off midway through the first half.

Widnes boss Denis Betts said: “It was tough with 14 players and we didn’t have any luck.

“They had the impact off the bench with Michael Dobson controlling things and Ben Galea was very good.

“We got a bit too over-enthusiastic and tried a little bit too hard but it was a brave effort.

“We conceded a couple of soft tries and that is unacceptable.

“But we are fighting hard to win games and the fans appreciate that.

“They really got behind us,” he added.

Widnes: Owens, Isa, Marsh, Dean, Ah Van, Mellor, Hanbury, Cross, McShane, Pickersgill, Winterstein, Allen, Cahill. Substitutes: Davies, J. Kite, Craven, Haggerty.

Hull K R: Sheriff, Salter, Webster, Heil, D. Hodgson, Green, Dobson, Clinton, J. Hodgson, O’Hara, Laithwaite, Galea, Peterson. Substitutes: Paea, Withers, Horne, Griffin.

Referee: T Alibert (Toulouse).