REPORT: NORTH WALES CRUSADERS 20-26 WIDNES VIKINGS

The Vikings booked their place in the Fourth Round of the Challenge Cup with a hard-earned 26-20 win over North Wales Crusaders at Stadiwm CSM.

Allan Coleman’s side came from behind in the second half to advance to the next round and set up a potential Super League clash.

The Vikings struck first through Rhys Williams as he finished off a nice move down the left side.

The lead didn’t last long however as the hosts hit back through former Viking, Lloyd Roby, who capitalised on a mix-up at the back from Jack Owens and Mike Butt to score.

Crusaders then took the lead through another former Viking, as Jake Spedding gathered an offload to score and give the hosts a 12-6 lead.

Williams bagged his brace just before the half-hour mark as he took a neat offload from Joe Edge to squeeze in at the corner.

It was a back-and-forth contest that saw Crusaders hit back again through Jordy Gibson, who dummied through to re-establish a six-point lead.

The Vikings drew level once more as an improvised kick from Declan Patton was claimed by Butt to grab his first try of the season. But a late high shot saw the hosts add a penalty goal as the first half hooter went, giving them a 20-18 lead at the interval.

The only try of the second half came after 50 minutes as Rhys Williams dove in at the corner for his hat-trick to give the Vikings a four-point lead.

A defensive arm wrestle ensued for the remainder of the half as both sides searched for another score, but it was through the boot of Tom Gilmore that the game was finally settled.

The Vikings scrum-half added a penalty goal after Crusaders were caught offside to secure a 26-20 win and a place in the Fourth Round.

We turn our attention to the start of the Championship season next weekend, as the Vikings make the trip to the South of France to take on Toulouse.