A DOMINANT second half performance from Leeds Rhinos saw the Vikings go down to a disappointing 38-6 defeat at Hedingley Carnegie Stadium.

Brian McDermott's men emerged from the dressing rooms at half-time looking like they'd been supercharged after an evenly contested first period which saw the teams go in at 6-6.

Widnes just couldn't gain any decent field position after the resumption and the Rhinos began to turn the screw.

An ill-considered offload from Hep Cahill coughed up possession in Widnes territory and Leeds took full advantage.

Quick hands to the left saw winger Ryan Hall squeeze in at the corner despite the best efforts of Stefan Marsh.

On 57 minutes, impressive Australian prop Adam Cuthbertson rumbled over to make it 14-6 and even at that stage it was difficult to see the Vikings turning it around.

Denis Betts' men did enjoy a short spell of pressure near the Rhinos line but it came to an abrupt end when a length of the field breakout finished with Tom Briscoe romping over.

With ten minutes remaining, a huge Kevin Sinfield bomb bamboozled the Vikings rearguard and Danny McGuire swooped to touch down.

It was now one-way traffic and the home side were happy to exhibit their party pieces resulting in further scores for Kallum Watkins and Briscoe.

Things had looked so different in the first 40 minutes.

Widnes had every reason to believe they might get something out of the game as they gave as good as they got.

The two teams went set for set in the opening exchanges and it always looked likely that a bit of luck would be needed to break the deadlock.

On 15 minutes that piece of good fortune came the way of Leeds.

Stevie Ward looked to have knocked on in midfield but referee Mr Hicks didn't see it that way and Briscoe scooped up the loose ball and cut through the Widnes defence before finding the fast-supporting Zak Hardaker who finished off at the posts.

Widnes were far from downhearted and hit back almost immediately.

Substitute Manase Manuokafoa showed great strength to bulldoze his way over from close range and plant the ball down six metres to the left of the posts. Danny Tickle's conversion levelled things up at 6-6 on 18 minutes.

The contest soon reverted back to its earlier pattern with clear cut chances few and far between.

Travelling Widnes fans were no doubt reasonably content with the situation as the half-time hooter sounded.

But the impressive Rhinos dashed their hopes after the break.

Leeds: Hardaker; Briscoe, Watkins, Moon, Hall; Sinfield, McGuire; Cuthbertson, Aiton, Peacock, Ablett, Ward, Jones-Buchanan. Subs: Achurch, Sutcliffe, Singleton, Leuluai.

Widnes: Hanbury; Owens, Dean, Phelps, Marsh; Craven, Mellor; O'Carroll, Carberry, Gerrard, Clarkson, Tickle, Cahill. Subs: Heremaia, Manuokafoa, Galea, Isa.

Referee: R Hicks .

Attendance: 14,132.