VIKINGS boss Steve McCormack believes his side's first-half blitz of neighbours Leigh was one of the best performances of the season so far.

The Widnes coach said he was delighted with the way his men took just 25 minutes to race to a 22-point lead at Hilton Park on Thursday.

"The first half was as good as we have played all year," he said. "We played at a pace we really want to be playing at every game.

"The support play was excellent and we finished off our chances when they came."

McCormack saved special praise for hat-trick hero Mick Nanyn, who took the wind out of the hosts' sails with a deadly 10-minute assault.

"He is really enjoying his football at the minute and I think everyone can see the benefits," McCormack said. "He has made a fantastic contribution to our game play all season.

"He knuckles down and just gets on with the job. I am delighted with the way he has played for us."

The victory, which extended Vikings' unbeaten run to seven, puts the club in pole position for the play-offs in September.

However, McCormack refused to be complacent ahead of tough games against promotion rivals Castleford Tigers and his former club Whitehaven, who play each other tomorrow, Thursday.

"I am not interested in those games until they come around," he added. "We have a policy at the club of taking each game as it comes and we intend to keep that going."

But despite the claim, McCormack will be hoping a win against Dewsbury Rams at Halton Stadium on Sunday, kick off 3pm, will extend their cushion at the National League One summit to four points.

However, he admitted the Yorkshire club have the firepower to beat anyone on their day.

"I think Dewsbury are one of the most organised clubs in the league," he said.

"They have it all to play for. They still have a chance of getting in the play-offs, but a few defeats and they could be down there in the relegation places."