WIDNES Vikings’ second half showing was not enough to prevent another defeat and they were edged out 23-22 at Dewsbury Rams.

After Matty Fleming and Jimmy Beckett had given Rams a two-score lead, centre Ste Tyrer responded.

A Dale Ferguson try and Riley Dean drop goal gave Rams a 19-6 lead at the break.

Deon Cross crossed on the flank after Vikings moved the ball well to the right.

Although Dean added two penalty goals, Vikings withstood more pressure to keep their line intact.

With the ball Joe Edge score on 62 minutes and was followed over the whitewash by Kenny Baker five minutes later with Jack Owens’ conversion cutting the deficit to a point.

For all the late Vikings pressure in the final 15 minutes, Dewsbury kept them out to secure the victory.

Dewsbury Rams: Joe Martin, Andy Gabriel, Davey Dixon, Matty Fleming, Lewis Carr, Alex Smith, Riley Dean, Robson Stevens, Reiss Butterworth, Jimmy Beckett, Sonny Esslemont, Tom Garratt, Chris Annakin. Interchanges: Dom Speakman, Jordan Schofield, Dale Ferguson, James Thornton.

Tries: Matty Fleming, Jimmy Beckett, Dale Ferguson. Goals: Riley Dean (3/3). Drop goal: Riley Dean. Penalty goals: Riley Dean (2/2).

Widnes Vikings: Jack Owens, Deon Cross, Jake Spedding, Ste Tyrer, Oliver Brookes, Danny Craven, Joe Lyons, Will Tilleke, Lewis Hulme, Owen Farnworth, Shane Grady, Joe Edge, Matty Smith. Interchanges: Kenny Baker, Daniel Hill, Adam Lawton, Aiden Roden.

Tries: Ste Tyrer, Deon Cross, Joe Edge, Kenny Baker. Goals: Jack Owens (3/4).