Castleford Tigers' Big-match Verdict: Tigers boss left purring after nilling the Vikings

The table-topping Tigers were in no mood to sympathise with the 11th-placed Vikings, who succumbed to the red-hot firepower of the visitors.

“We scored some really great tries but the thing that impressed and pleased me most was our defence,” Powell said.

“It’s a big win for us. Widnes came at us early and we prevented them from getting over. I think the turning point came when we carried Danny Craven over the line.”

The Tigers had the game in the bag at 22-0 at the break and did not relent in the second period. Powell added: “We spoke at half-time about keeping them out and keeping the nil. Our defence was outstanding.

“We scored some really good tries and showed some world-class pieces off skill.

“The plays are something we work on, they do not happen by accident. It (the play in the build-up to the tries) was pure class. Greg (Eden) reeled the ball in and it was outstanding to see. But to see them enjoy defending was great. It’s going to be an interesting season.”

Meanwhile, Widnes head coach Denis Betts blasted his players for the lack of response to the half-time deficit and even questioned his side’s desire.

“I’m not making idle threats to players but I have to look at what and where I can change things,” Betts said.

“I’ve got Jordan Johnstone and Ted Chapelhow to maybe look at and just see where I can change some things around. We’re lacking some creative spark in the halves. I’m disappointed with the lack of response at half-time.

“The last 15-20 minutes they didn’t create lots but scored when they got the chances. I asked for a response and I needed to see it and never got it.

“I just wanted to see a little bit of desire and it didn’t come – I’ve not seen that before in this group.

“We were beaten by a very good side. You look at the way Cas played, when they got forward in the game they got confidence and they are a good side to watch.

“You want to see wingers touching down in one corner and then the other, sometimes I found it hard not to clap. I’m in pain watching it but they scored some very good tries.”

Castleford regained top spot after scoring six tries in the demolition of hapless Widnes.

The main damage was done in an 18-minute spell before the break when Tigers turned a goalless score into a 22-point lead thanks to a combination of spectacular long-range efforts and simple, effective play.

Widnes: Hanbury; Thompson, Armstrong, Runciman, Marsh; Bridge, Craven; J. Chapelhow, White, Buchanan, Houston, Whitley, Cahill. Replacements: Heremaia, Leuluai, Olbison, Burke.

Castleford: Hardaker; Monaghan, Minikin, Shenton, Eden; McShane, Gale; Lynch, Milner, Springer, Sene-Lefao, McMeeken, Massey. Replacements: Moors, Millington, Cook, Roberts.

Referee: Jack Smith.