Widnes Vikings were knocked out of the Challenge Cup at Round 3 with a heavy defeat at the hands of last season’s finalists Salford Red Devils.
Four tries in the final eight minutes helped the score line blow out, as a tiring Vikings defence struggled to deal with their Super League opponents.
It was a special afternoon for teenager Daniel Hill though, as he crossed for a try on his Vikings debut to cap a memorable afternoon for him on a personal note.
Lee Jewitt also made his Widnes debut against one of his former clubs, starting a prop in a much changed line-up which saw Jack Owens moved into the pack at loose forward.
Widnes were unlucky to have two first half efforts chalked off, as Danny Craven and Owen Buckley were denied by the referee.
Salford scored four times before the Vikings managed to break their deadlock, with Morgan Escare crossing for the opener before Matt Costello scored back-to-back efforts.
Tui Lolohea scored a break-away try with five minutes of the half remaining, as it looked like the visitors were going to be kept scoreless.
With the final play of the half though, Shane Grady came up with a half break close to the line, forcing an arm free and offloading to Daniel Hill who went over in support for a memorable try.
The second period was one-way traffic though, with Dec Patton crossing inside the first five minutes to extend the hosts’ lead.
Further tries from Andy Ackers, Sen Ikahihifo, Kallum Watkins, Jack Ormondroyd, Rhys Williams, Escare and Chris Atkin saw Salford comfortably advance to the quarter-finals.
Salford Red Devils: Morgan Escare, Rhys Williams, Kallum Watkins, Matt Costello, Krisnan Inu, Chris Atkin, Tui Lolohea, Jack Ormondroyd, Dec Patton, Lee Mossop, Harvey Livett, Pauli Pauli, Jack Wells.
Interchanges: Ollie Roberts, Andy Ackers, Darcy Lussick, Seb Ikahihifo.
Tries: Escare (2), Costello (2), Lolohea, Patton, Ackers, Ikahihifo, Watkins, Ormondroyd, Williams, Atkin. Goals: Inu 10/12
Widnes Vikings: Daniel Hill, Owen Buckley, Lloyd Roby, Jake Spedding, Deon Cross, Danny Craven, Matty Smith, Lee Jewitt, Lewis Else, Shane Grady, Ste Tyrer, Adam Lawton, Jack Owens.
Interchanges: Joe Lyons, Paul Clough, Will Tilleke, Josh Wilde.
Tries: Hill Goals: Owens 0/1
