Leeds Rhinos gave their Betfred Super League survival hopes a huge lift with a 16-6 victory over seemingly-doomed Widnes in their Super 8s Qualifiers clash on Sunday.
The Rhinos were second best for large periods of the encounter and it was only when Australian hooker Matt Parcell crossed on 55 minutes that they could breathe a sigh of relief as Widnes tested them in every department.
Widnes looked to make the breakthrough but a loose pass in midfield was picked up by ex-Viking Richie Myler who scampered 20 metres before offloading to Luke Briscoe to finish off from long range.
Liam Finn popped up with a short ball to the impressive Tom Olbison as the Vikings hit back in style and Krisnan Inu was successful with the conversion to give them a deserved half-time lead.
Three consecutive sets of six from Widnes in the second half were eventually sucked up by the dogged Rhinos and it proved to be a critical period as they dragged themselves back in front through Parcell following a massive 40/20 from Liam Sutcliffe.
At 10-6 with minutes remaining it was a test of the Rhinos’ nerve to finish the job and they just had enough to grind it out with Myler going over at the death to make it certain.
Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: "It’s been one of the tensest games I’ve watched on this side of the fence but it’s probably one of the most enjoyable.
“I thought it was a really good game. Widnes threw some things at us and they played really well."
Widnes interim head coach Francis Cummins said: "I’m frustrated we didn’t get the win but we never shirked anything. We’ve been getting a fair bit of stick on social media and they answered that.
“I was bit disappointed we didn’t create as much (in the second half). I’m frustrated but I’m proud of their effort."
