The Vikings lost out to a strong Leigh Centurions side in their Fourth Round Challenge Cup tie, with Brad Holroyd the only try scorer for Widnes.
Widnes made just one change to last Monday’s victory over Dewsbury, as Ollie Brookes came in for Ryan Ince who failed a head assessment after the victory last week.
Leigh got the first try of the game on four minutes when Caleb Aekins found a gap in the Widnes line to land and give the home side the early lead.
The hosts grabbed another ten minutes into the contest, making the most of a penalty given away by Widnes ten from their line as Caleb Aekins got over out wide for his second of the night.
Ed Chamberlain scored next for Leigh after a sweeping move from left to right from the hosts, Sam Stone assisting after a strong carry from Amone.
Widnes got off the mark half an hour into the contest, making the most of a couple of offsides by the home team to send the winger over on the left.
Mark Ioane was sinbinned in a heated finish to the half, which ended 16-4.
Leigh extended their lead four minutes into the second period when Keanan Brand found space out wide after a smart move from Joe Mellor on the last.
Caleb Aekins got his hat-trick not long after with a break from inside his own half.
Ben Reynolds increased the deficit with a penalty goal shortly after the hour mark before Sam Stone added another for Leigh who ran out 38-4 winners in the end.
The Vikings’ focus now turns back to the league, as we take on Barrow Raiders next Monday at home with tickets priced at just £10 for all adults and £5 for children.
Leigh Centurions: Caleb Aekins, Jy Hitchcox, Ed Chamberlain, Bosam Macdonald, Keanan Brand, Ben Reynolds, Joe Mellor, Adam Sidlow, Aaron Smith, Taealoaloa Amone, Josef Wardle, Sam Stone, Atalani Selesele-Asiata.
Interchanges: Edwin Ipape, Mafoa’aeata Hingano, Jacob Jones, Mark Ioane.
Tries: Caleb Aekins (3), Ed Chamberlain, Keanan Brand, Sam Stone, Jy Hitchcox.
Goals: Ben Reynolds (4/7).
Penalty goal: Ben Reynolds.
Widnes Vikings: Lloyd Roby, Ollie Brookes, Ste Tyrer, Matt Fleming, Brad Holroyd, Matty Smith, Joe Lyons, Kenny Baker, Matty Fozard, Tyler Dupree, Sam Wilde, Olly Davies, Aaron Brown.
Interchanges: Eribe Doro, Adam Lawton, Shane Grady, Lewis Hulme.
Tries: Brad Holroyd.
