Image source, PA

An entertaining game to begin the feast of rugby league in Newcastle.

Widnes have made it back-to-back wins on grass after their first win of 2015 away from their artificial pitch last week, running in seven tries with Kevin Brown grabbing a hat-trick. Plenty for their coach, Denis Betts, to smile about.

Salford were on the back foot following Darrell Griffin's red card and remain 11th in Super League.

The game will finish with 11 men playing 12.

Both Widnes' Cameron Phelps and Salford's Josh Griffin are shown yellow cards following their scuffle off the ball after a tackle.

Josh joins brother Darrell in being told to leave the field this afternoon, in what has already been an emotional day for them after the minute's silence at the start of the match following the death of their father.

Widnes are heading into the top half of the table with this win, leapfrogging Castleford and Catalans into sixth place.

They still haven't given up looking for another try and have a set of six to get through, but play is stopped as a fight breaks out off the ball between Cameron Phelps and Josh Griffin.

Kevin Brown's afternoon is done, with Denis Betts taking his star man off following his hat-trick.

A grubber kick is sent through for the Vikings' back line to chase but it is slightly overcooked, giving a scrum to Salford not too far away from their own try line.

And that looks just about that for Widnes in securing the two points today.

Slick hands through the line works it from left to right, and Stefan Marsh, who scored a hat-trick last week, runs hard to cross out wide on the right.

Jack Owens strokes home the extras expertly from the touchline.

Weller Hauraki throws the ball out of the tackle, but there is nobody near him and Widnes gather.

A set of six in a promising attacking position for the Vikings here...

Matt Newsum
BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"Plenty of arms folded in the Salford section, and motionless faces despite the second-half fightback.

"There's also a few tired-looking faces in the Salford side. It's been an emotional week for the Griffin family and the way Josh wearily got to his feet there a moment ago showed just how much this has game has taken out of him."

Image source, SWPIX.COM

Earlier on, we mentioned the special black-and-white striped kit that Widnes are sporting for this Magic Weekend fixture against Salford.

Proceeds from sales of the shirt are to be donated to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, and while the game's been in progress, Widnes have announced that £20,000 has been raised.

A fantastic effort by all.

All the momentum Salford seemed to gather from scoring those two tries seems to have been sucked out by that Kevin Brown score.

And Brown's not just menacing in attack - he barges Greg Johnson into touch with some strong tackling to give his side a scrum.

Former Salford forward Chris Charles on BBC Radio Manchester: "There lies the difference between the two teams. Kevin Brown controlled the first half and used that opportunity to attack the line. Through a few pairs of hands, and Kevin Brown sprinted away to score."

After a long time with the video referee, stand-off Kevin Brown has the eighth hat-trick of his career.

It all came from an interception by Cameron Phelps after Salford's Weller Hauraki threw a poor long pass.

No dummy needed this time from Widnes captain Brown, who gathers the ball in from a wrap-around move and he strolls in.

Ray French
BBC Radio Merseyside

"Salford made a really big effort here, their forwards are taking the ball up and tackling hard. Adrian Morley is setting the example and Theo Fages is buzzing about.

"Suddenly this Salford side have sight of a possible turnover. Who would have thought that with them having 12 men and 16 points down at half-time?"

Well, well, well. Are we on for a great comeback?

A simple pass by Widnes is knocked on by Alex Gerrard and former Leeds winger Ben Jones-Bishop gathers the spilled ball and sprints in under the posts.

Has his eighth try of the campaign got the Red Devils back into this game? They've scored two tries to Widnes' one so far this half, despite their man disadvantage.

Widnes skipper Kevin Brown seems to have shaken off a hand injury he picked up scoring his second try of the afternoon.

He is still taking the ball at every opportunity and guiding his players around the field.

Brown goes for a big kick down field but kicks it out on the full to give Salford the ball on the half way line...

Matt Newsum
BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"What Salford would give for a Kevin Brown in the side. Too many last-tackle-play kicks straight down the throat of a waiting Widnes player in space.

"Hull FC fans dished out a rendition of Old Faithful as they begin to assemble for the derby, while the action on the field has obviously improved enough to stem the tide of the impending Mexican wave. Phew."

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There has certainly been more energy shown by Salford at the start of this second half. It's not just scoring their try either - they've closed down well in defence and chased kicks with gusto.

Credit to Salford who have clearly not given up here.

A huge high kick from Theo Fages allows Niall Evalds to win the aerial challenge with Rhys Hanbury, and he throws the ball out to keep it alive.

The Red Devils work it to Greg Johnson and despite three covering defenders coming onto him, he finds and gap and stretches out his right hand to place the ball on the line.

News coming through that Salford are going to be without forward Cory Paterson for the rest of the game.

He was forced off in the first half after receiving a stray elbow, and following a concussion check, the Australian is unable to come back on.

Allan Rooney
BBC Radio Merseyside

"Kevin Brown sold the dummy and knew he had the momentum to get over the try line. I think he's going to be okay. There's no need to take any risks, but Kevin Brown won't want to leave this field."

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Superb attacking from deep this by Widnes, even against the 12 men of Salford.

First Aaron Heremaia hits an excellent angle to break through the initial line of defence on the halfway line. Once the ball reaches Kevin Brown, he throws another huge dummy which Salford fall for and he crosses for his second of the afternoon.

He stays down to receive some treatment on his arm but he should be fine.