Leeds Rhinos dealt Widnes Vikings' hopes of remaining in Super League a huge blow by claiming a 16-6 win at the Halton Stadium.
A 20th successive league defeat – four of which have come in the Qualifiers – left the Vikings four points adrift of a place in the Million Pound Game with just three matches remaining.
The Rhinos, meanwhile, bounced back from a narrow loss to Hull KR last time out to return to second place in their first outing since David Furner's return as head coach was announced.
Luke Briscoe put Leeds ahead following a 70-metre surge, but Widnes led at half-time after Krisnan Inu converted Tom Olbison's score.
The Vikings were unable to build from there, though, with unanswered tries from Matt Parcell and Richie Myler putting a much-needed victory out of their reach.
Rovers kept pace with Leeds by beating Halifax 38-24, while Toulouse Olympique fell out of the top five following a 34-8 loss at London Broncos.
