Widnes Vikings put in a fantastic performance to end Halifax Panthers’ nine-game win streak in Round 18 of the Betfred Championship, with tries from Danny Craven, Ollie Brookes, Ste Tyrer and Kenny Baker sealing an emphatic 25-6 victory.
Paul Clough and Lloyd Roby returned to the match day squad for the game, with Owen Farnworth and Matty Smith dropping out through injury.
Widnes got in front after just six minutes after spreading the ball out to the left when Deon Cross had almost found a gap on the right. Danny Craven wriggled through out wide to make it 4-0.
Halifax pulled one back with 21 minutes on the clock, making the most of a six-again call before Ed Barber managed to get over the line out wide.
The Vikings edged ahead on the hooter when Ollie Brookes got over in the corner after repeat sets on the Halifax try line, and Jack Owens put the kick through to move past Mick Nanyn into 8th in the club’s all-time scoring list and make the scores 10-6 at the break.
The Vikings came out strong after the break and were handed the momentum after a couple of forward passes from Halifax, and they took advantage of it when Ste Tyrer managed to get over the line out wide.
Halifax were penalised 10 from their own line for an offside with five minutes left, so Jack Owens stepped up to add a penalty goal.
Widnes continued their intense pressure in the final minutes and Craven added a drop goal to put the Vikings out of reach.
Fresh from extending his contract, Kenny Baker got in on the act on the hooter when he took advantage of another penalty 10 from the line to go flying under the sticks to seal a brilliant win for Simon Finnigan’s men.
Widnes Vikings: Daniel Hill, Deon Cross, Jake Spedding, Ste Tyrer, Ollie Brookes, Danny Craven, Joe Lyons, Kenny Baker, Lewis Hulme, Will Tilleke, Shane Grady, Adam Lawton, Jack Owens. Interchanges: Joe Edge, Aiden Roden, Paul Clough, Lloyd Roby.
Tries: Danny Craven, Ollie Brookes, Ste Tyrer, Kenny Baker. Goals: Jack Owens (3/4). Drop goals: Danny Craven. Penalty goals: Jack Owens.
Halifax Panthers: James Woodburn-Hall, Zack McComb, Greg Worthington, Ed Barber, James Saltonstall, Liam Harris, Scott Grix, Will Calcott, Brandon Moore, Daniel Murray, Matthew Garside, Ben Kavanagh, Elliot Morris. Interchanges: Curtis Davies, Jacob Fairbank, Connor Davies, Ben Tibbs.
Tries: Ed Barber. Goals: James Woodburn Hall (1/1).
