Hull Kingston Rovers have edged out the Widnes Vikings in the first match of their Super League qualifier at Select Security Stadium.
Neither side could find a way through in the opening 36 minutes of the match, but the visitors finally managed to break the Widnes defence when Kris Welham went over the try-line to score, while Joe Mantellato added the extras.
The Vikings got back into the match early in the second half when Chris Clarkson powered over the line from close range, but they were unable to kick the two-point conversion, leaving them two points adrift of Hull.
Hull extended their lead when Kevin Brown spilled a catch from a kick from the visitors, and George Lawler pounced on the loose ball to run over the try-line for a score on his debut, while Mantellato added the extras.
Widnes put the pressure on to get back into the game and Matt Whitley went over in the 79th minute, but the visitors held out for the win.
