Leigh Centurions 8-24 Widnes Vikings

Widnes Vikings took a huge step towards retaining their Betfred Super League status with a 20-8 triumph over Leigh Centurions, who are still to win at home in the Qualifiers Super 8s.

Just four minutes in, Widnes hooker Lloyd White shot through from dummy-half to score a try.

Leigh lost starting hooker Daniel Mortimer (arm) only a few minutes into the game and their problems worsened as Rhys Hanbury kicked two penalty goals in quick succession.

#Super8s@WidnesRL make it 3 straight wins in the Qualifiers with victory today pic.twitter.com/IYr1Ap3GJ4

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) 3 September 2017

Widnes scored their second try in the 26th minute when forward Alex Gerrard hit a good line to power his way over from 10 metres out. Hanbury's conversion made it 14-0.

Leigh made a determined start to the second half and gave themselves hope when debutant winger James Clare touched down in the corner. But Widnes responded with a try from winger Corey Thompson as Chris Bridge converted from the touchline.

Matty Dawson pulled Leigh back to within two converted tries, but Widnes saw out the game with two Bridge penalties.

You can probably hear the noise from the changing room back in Widnes! The boys are singing loud and proud. ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/hSMt0m0tgV

— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) 3 September 2017

Widnes coach Denis Betts said: "We have put ourselves in a good position (in the Qualifiers Super 8s) but there's still a battle going on.

"Over the last month we have built some momentum and we are in a good place at the moment."

WATCH: Denis Betts speaks to the media following the Club's win over @LeighCenturions!https://t.co/0vbnDIfeYP pic.twitter.com/IB6y5GHSFn

— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) 3 September 2017

Leigh coach Neil Jukes said: "I am really disappointed. Our preparation in the week building up to the game had been absolutely immaculate.

"But our start to the game gave us too much to do. We worked hard to get back into the game but we couldn't crack it and add that pressure."

Neil Jukes gives his views on today's game to the media. Lookout on @CenturionsTV for what he had to say. pic.twitter.com/RvuKlcjIlL

— Leigh Centurions (@LeighCenturions) 3 September 2017