Keighley Cougars 28 Widnes Vikings 34

COUGARS coach Karl Harrision hailed Vikings star Paul Mansson as "the difference between the two sides" as his team were beaten in an entertaining six try freindly.

Simon Verbickas gave the Vikings an early lead when he landed a second minute penalty only for the Cougars to bounce back 14-2.

Widnes got back into the game when Karl Fitzpatrick jinked his way over to the posts, Verbickas converting. Mansson set up a second try when he broke from his own half to send Gareth Adams racing over. Steve Argent then forced his way over from close-range.

Cougars scored another try but just before the second interval when a move, instigated by Mansson, was finished off by Verbickas to give the Vikings a second interval lead of 22-18.

In the final third Cougars earned a brief 24-22 lead but Mansson sent in Jim Cassidy at the corner then struck once again to get Alan Reddicliffe in almost the same position. Damien Munro added a conversion and a penalty. The game ended with a late try for the home side.

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