Super League: Hull KR 31-12 Widnes Vikings

Justin Carney has scored three tries in 10 games for Hull KR

Justin Carney scored two tries as Hull KR eased past struggling Widnes Vikings in Super League.

Carney and Andrew Hefernan gave Rovers a half-time lead as Widnes created little in attack.

But Vikings took advantage of Chris Clarkson's yellow card early in the second half to level the scores, Ryan Ince and Joe Mellor going over.

Danny Tickle crossed to restore the hosts' lead, before tries from James Greenwood and Carney sealed the win.

Danny McGuire added a drop-goal to ease any lingering nerves as Tim Sheens' side earned their third win since being promoted to Super League.

Clarkson's yellow card, shown for tipping Rhys Hanbury in the tackle, put the result in doubt, but the hosts were rarely threatened after being restored to 13 men.

Widnes remain without an away win in Super League this season, but they remain above Rovers on points difference.

Dennis Betts' side host Hull FC in their next game, while Rovers travel to Warrington.

Hull KR head coach Tim Sheens told BBC Radio Humberside: "It is a very tight competition this year. Everyone was gloom and doom last week and all of a sudden we've got our heads up again.

"Warrington coming up this week and there's a few bumps and bruises on my guys. It's a tough time of year, playing so many games.

"We were very nervous early, But once Justin scored that try, we started to relax and get into our rhythm.

"Except for a couple of silly passes and getting a bit ahead of ourselves with some stupid offloads, we were fairly constructive and did alright."

Hull KR: Dagger; Shaw, Minns, Heffernan, Carney; McGuire, Lee; Mulhern, Lunt, Masoe, tickle, Blair, Kavanagh.

Replacements: Atkin, Donaldson, Clarkson, Greenwood.

Widnes: Hanbury; Ince, Chamberlain, Brand, Runciman; Mellor, Craven; Gerrard, Heremaia, Dudley, Hudson, Whitley, Wilde, Houston.

Replacements: Olbison, Burke, Wellington, Johnstone.