Widnes found themselves on the wrong end of a London onslaught at Griffin Park, as the Broncos claimed a victory that could prove all-important in the race for a play-off berth.

Vikings were never quite as outclassed as the score suggested, but it was an extremely clinical London performance.

Saturday's opponents began the game locked level on points in the all-important sixth place.

The hosts in particular saw this as a pivotal game, having much the tougher run-in of the two teams over the next four rounds.

Both teams began the game looking to attack, London creating most of the early chances.

But at the other end Paul Sykes was alert to dive on a loose ball just in front of his own posts eight minutes in.

Broncos were ahead three minutes later when Steve Hall finished off a good team move after Dennis Moran's clever kick.

Soon after Moran made another fine kick to allow Matt Toshack to dive over and Sykes, filling in on conversion duty, was on target.

Widnes responded by creating some sustained pressure, but London continued to defend well, Dom Peters especially solid.

By the half-hour mark Widnes were beginning to get frustrated, as London seemed to have the measure of their visitors.

It got worse for Widnes when Nigel Roy scrambled the ball over after a high kick from, yet again, Moran. A replay proved there had been no knock-on.

Clinging on

By the end of the first period, the Vikings were barely clinging on, and on 36 minutes Jason Hetherington ran in another try after combining well with Martin.

A third successful Sykes kick made the half-time score 22-0 against a Widnes side who missed 15 tackles in the first period.

Vikings moved forward from the restart, but London were taking no chances, and their tactical edge remained.

Eight minutes into the half, the excellent Moran got a try in his seventh consecutive game with a fine run, beating four defenders.

Soon afterwards Roy had his second try, running through the stretched Vikings back-line. Sykes made it four successful conversions.

Wayne Evans was next to go over, Moran, for the fourth time, conjuring up the opening from his boot.

With 11 minutes left, Sylvain Houles increased Widnes' misery, running in on the wing after a London penalty.

To their credit, Widnes continued to press, and Daniel Frame claimed a late, converted consolation try.

But their cause was hopeless, having been tormented throughout by man-of-the-match Moran.

London: Sykes, Hall, Martin, Roy, Peters, Gillett, Moran, Stephenson, Hetherington, Marshall, Retchless, Toshack, Dymock.
Replacements: Houles, Evans, Barnett, Bawden.

Widnes Spruce, Dimitrio, Potter, Hughes, Devlin, Carter, Eaton, Relf, Cantillon, Stone, Farrell, McCurrie, Frame.
Replacements: O'Neill, Richardson, Atcheson, Mills.

Referee: Karl Kirkpatrick (Warrington)