WIDNES Vikings lost their Magic fixture at Newcastle, with St Helens emerging 38-18 victors.

But they gave hot favourites and league leaders an uncomfortable afternoon despite the scoreline.

Matt Whitley scored the first try on five minutes when he crashed in from close range. Stefan Marsh converted the try.

Saints responded quickly when Widnesian Danny Richardson raced in off a Dom Peyroux break.

Mark Percival and Regan Grace added tries but back came Widnes

Wellington Albert hit a short ball 10 metres out, and was able to stretch an arm out and touch down close to the sticks. Marsh again converted.

Barba proved elusive when he dived in at the corner.

But after Peyroux was sin-binned for stopping Aaron Heremaia from scoring, Viking took advantage with Jimmy Keinhorst collected finishing off a width of the pitch move on the hooter. Stefan Marsh converted from the try from the touchline to reduce the lead to four points at the break.

Saints took control in the second half with two Ryan Morgan tries and a 60 metre effort from Grace.

Widnes: Hanbury, Ah Van, Runciman, Keinhorst, Marsh, Mellor, Heremaia, J. Chapelhow, Johnstone, Burke, Whitley, Wilde, Cahill. Replacements: Olbison, Leuluai, D. Walker, W. Albert.

St Helens: Barba, Makinson, Morgan, Percival, Grace, Lomax, Richardson, Douglas, Roby, Thompson, Peyroux, Taia, Wilkin. Replacements: Fages, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Knowles, Lees.