IF Widnes make the National League One play-offs this season, they will be hoping they don't have to visit Brewery Field.

For the second time in five weeks, the Vikings were thoroughly outplayed by Celtic Crusaders, this time crashing to a 38-6 defeat.

The game was played in a persistent downpour but the Crusaders were still able to express themselves and were first to the punch in all aspects of the game.

Quicker play-the-balls, slicker handling, and more bodies-in-motion on attack made the home side an irresistable attacking force.

Widnes had their spells of dominance in terms of field position and possession - notably in the opening ten minutes when they camped on the opposition line - but failed to find the plays to break a well organised and committed Celtic defence.

Having weathered the early storm, Crusaders went down the other end and were quickly rewarded when winger Anthony Blackwood went over from dummy-half.

It was an ominous sign of things to come.

Just two minutes later and giant centre Mark Dalle-Court crashed in after smart passing to give Celtic a 10-0 lead.

Another spell of Widnes pressure came to nothing before they conceded again ten minutes before half-time.

Aled James, one of five ex-Vikings in the Crusaders' ranks, was the scorer as he finished off a fine 70 metre move.

A Mark Lennon penalty just before the interval made it 18-0.

Another Lennon penalty on 45 minutes pushed Celtic further ahead before a Widnes rally saw Matty Smith put skipper Jim Gannon under the posts with Ste Tyrer converting.

But it was always going to be the home side's night.

They finished the game much the stronger and added further touchdowns through Tony Duggan, Neil Budworth and Ben Flower.

Lennon finished with seven goals to his credit.

Gannon, Iain Morrison and Ian hardman gave 100 per cent in a losing cause, but the Vikings were ultimately outclassed on the night.

Widnes: Hardman; Gaskell, Tyrer (1g), Dean, Dodd; Duffy, Smith; Morrison, Beswick, Gannon (1t), Fletcher, Noone, Paterson. Subs: Roper, Hill, Crookes, Kavanagh.