WIDNES Vikings’ campaign concluded with a 27-10 defeat to York Knights in the Championship Eliminator Play Off.

Allan Coleman’s side led early on and turned round level, but the hosts proved to be strong after the break.

Coleman said: “We wanted to reach the semi finals but it was probably a step too far for us in year one, but I’m really proud of my players and everyone at the club.

“I thought we were much better than them in the first half. We were at 93 percent completion and took our opportunities when we had them but in the second half they were just more direct and it cost us.

“We got to 65 minutes and we hadn’t had a good ball set in the second half. We just couldn’t penetrate them and ask serious questions of them but that’s credit to York.”

Rhodri Lloyd took Jack Owens’ pass to power over for Widnes’ only try, which was converted by Tom Gilmore to go with his two first-half penalties.

Former Hull FC, Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity winger Tom Lineham scored a hat-trick for York.

Widnes Vikings: Owens; Butt, Bardsley-Rowe, Fleming, Ince; Lyons, Gilmore; Bent, Fozard, Murray, Lloyd, Lannon, Field. Subs: Johnstone, Kirk, Roberts, Reilly. 18th man: Green.