WIDNES Vikings ended their pre-season campaign with a 34-16 victory over North Wales Crusaders at the DCBL Stadium.

New recruit Kenny Baker collected a brace against his former teammates, while Jack Johnson crossed for a hat-trick.

Vikings opened the scoring after just four minutes, as Danny Craven dummied his way through the line and showed enough pace to round the fullback.

Baker managed to reach out and double the lead despite the best efforts of the Crusaders defence.

After a Craven 40/20, the Vikings number six put second rower Sam Wilde for number three.

Crusaders replied through David Eccleston and Rob Massam with Widnes taking a 14-10 lead at the break.

Widnes replied within two minutes of the restart, as Lloyd Roby sent the supporting Jack Johnson in.

Cross managed to keep a kick to touch in play, and then Joe Lyons’ fine pass put Johnson in for his second.

With 11 minutes remaining, winger Johnson forced his way over on the short side to collect his third try of the afternoon.

Baker then collected Lyons’ grubber before beating the fullback and diving over for his second.

A Gavin Rodden interception gave the Welsh some consolation.

Widnes Vikings: Jack Owens, Jack Johnson, Lloyd Roby, Jake Spedding, Deon Cross, Matty Smith, Danny Craven, Ted Chapelhow, Logan Tomkins, Jay Chapelhow, Sam Wilder, Kenny Baker, MacGraff Leuluai. Subs: Joe Edge, Joe Lyons, Owen Farnworth, Pat Moran, Connor Dwyer, Jacob Dugdale.

Tries: Craven, Baker (2), Wilde, Johnson (3) Goals: Owens 3/6, Smith 0/1

North Wales Crusaders: Thomas Johnson, David Eccleston, Jordan Penny, Earl Hurst, Rob Massam, Jordan Gibson, Elliot Jenkins, Bradley Brennan, Ste Roper, Warren Thompson, Gavin Rodden, Kieran Sherratt, Chris Barratt. Subs: Brad Billsborough, Matthew Reid, James Tilley, Ryan Millington, Jordan Olmez, Jack Holmes, Jack Cottington.

Tries: Eccleston (21), Massam (35), Rodden (80) Goals: Johnson 2/3