AS Super League evenings go, I’m not sure Wire could have imagined a better one than Friday night.

A convincing victory over their local rivals while their main opposition for top spot in the Super 8s slip up at home? I’m sure Tony Smith will be quietly satisfied with a night that leaves his side within touching distance of silverware.

Of course, the League Leaders Shield is not the grand prize everyone is after, but it’s a hell of a start.

After two energy-sapping games in the last two weeks, you could have forgiven The Wire for being a little slack in the opening period. They were having none of that.

After Chris Hill showed a surprising turn of pace to sprint home from 40 metres, Wolves had to repel intense Vikings pressure midway through the first half and that changed the momentum critically.

Morgan Smith’s introduction from the bench was also key, the 18-year-old is looking more at home in Super League each week and he showed a deft touch on his home debut to dab a kick through for Ashton Sims to continue the prop’s party.

Not content with an assist, the precocious teenager showed superb strength to hold of the Widnes edge defence and muscle over for a try of his own just before the break.

The Wire were in full command and Widnes looked like a beaten team. Perhaps their heroics at Wigan in the previous round were catching up with them.

They had set the platform, but Wolves now had to show their ferocity and ruthlessness in the second period.

They got off to a good start as Joe Philbin capped a superb stint off the bench by crashing onto a short ball for his first try of the season.

However, from then things seemed to grind to a halt somewhat as errors began to creep in. The efforts of previous weeks were taking their toll on the Wolves outfit.

Dropped balls and a high penalty count will not please the Wire chief and their defence was finally breached by former Latchford Albion junior Joe Mellor’s try.

They didn’t let it rock them too much though as Matty Russell, many people’s pick for man of the match, somehow squeezed over in the corner before Corey Thompson did the same late on to give Denis Betts’ men the last laugh.

The equation is now simple, beat Wigan and the ‘hubcap’ is secure. Easier said than done!

INTERESTING NOTES:

• Wolves have now won six home games in a row against Widnes.

• Brad Dwyer makes his 100th career appearance.

• Morgan Smith scores his first Super League try on his home debut.

• Joe Philbin crosses for his first try of the season.

MATCH FACTS:

Wolves: Stefan Ratchford; Rhys Evans, Toby King, Ryan Atkins, Matty Russell; Kurt Gidley, Dec Patton; Chris Hill, Brad Dwyer, Ashton Sims, Jack Hughes, Ben Currie, George King. Subs: Sam Wilde, Morgan Smith, Joe Philbin, Ryan Bailey.

Vikings: Rhys Hanbury; Corey Thompson, Chris Dean, Charly Runciman, Patrick Ah Van; Joe Mellor, Kevin Brown; Greg Burke, Lloyd White, Jack Buchanan, Matt Whitley, Chris Houston, Hep Cahill. Subs: Jay Chapelhow, Gil Dudson, Aaron Heremaia, Connor Farrell.

Scoring: Hill try, 11mins, Gidley goal, 6-0; Gidley penalty, 26mins, 8-0; Sims try, 28mins, Gidley goal, 14-0; Smith try, 34mins, Gidley goal, 20-0; Philbin try, 45mins, Gidley goal, 26-0; Mellor try, 50mins, Thompson goal, 26-6; Russell try, 68mins, 30-6; Thompson try, 78mins, White goal, 30-12.

Penalties: Wolves 10 Vikings 9.

Referee: Gareth Hewer.

Attendance: 10,488.

Top man: Matty Russell.