WIDNES remain glued to the bottom of the Betfred Super League table after going down 19-10 to local rivals Warrington Wolves on Maundy Thursday.

The Wolves have had their own trials and tribulations so far this season but seemed to have turned a corner in recent weeks.

Vikings boss Denis Betts is no doubt hoping his own charges will soon hit a similar vein of form.

However, on this particular night they found their opponents in resilient mood despite a committed effort.

The Vikings were gifted an early try when Wolves winger Matty Russell spilled the ball bringing it away from his own line and the Vikings scored on the free play as Charly Runciman put Stefan Marsh in at the left corner.

The lead didn't last long as a couple of penalties gave the visitors field position and Stefan Ratchford's cut-out pass sent Tom Lineham over wide out to make it 4-4.

The Vikings discipline left something to be desired and more penalties invited Warrington in again with Jack Hughes crossing from close range and Declan Patton converting.

Widnes had a couple of chances to hit back but were met by solid Wolves defence, notably when Danny Craven was stopped inches of the line.

Burly centre Ryan Atkins thought he'd added to the Warrington lead but was adjudged to have dropped the ball by the video referee but Widnes immediately turned over the pill again and second row Joe Philbin forced his way over to make it 16-4.

As the Wolves continued to dominate, Patton had a try disallowed but he did add to his side's lead with a drop-goal two minutes before the break.

A 17-4 deficit looked like a mountain to climb for Widnes but they enjoyed some territorial advantage in the early stages of the second half.

They eventually got their reward on 58 minutes when Chris Bridge's astute grubber kick was pounced on by Runciman with Bridge adding the extras.

The Vikings now had the bit between their teeth and they continued to put pressure on the visitors line.

However, despite some near misses, they couldn't quite find the pass they needed to fully prise open the opposition defence.

The Wolves were clinging on but weathered the stoirm and with three minutes remaining added a penalty goal from Patton after a high shot on Andre Savelio to make it 19-10.

Another defeat for the Vikings, but some positive signs.

Widnes: Hanbury; Armstrong, Bridge, Runciman, Marsh; Mellor, Craven; J Chapelhow, Johnstone, Dudson, Whitley, Houston, Brooks. Subs: Dean, Gerrard, Olbison, Burke.

Warrington: Ratchford; Russell, T King, Atkins, Lineham; Patton, Gidley; Hill, Dwyer, Sims, Jullien, Hughes, G King. Subs: Evans, Savelio, Philbin, Livett.

Half-Time: 4-17 Referee: P Bentham Attendance: 8,279