Halifax 18 Widnes Vikings 28: Halifax left thwarted as Widnes grab spot in last eight

Halifax were narrowly denied a place in the last eight of the Challenge Cup after a gutsy 28-18 home loss to Super League side Widnes.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th May 2016, 06:14 BST

Richard Marshall’s part-time Championship side were level at 18-18 with 17 minutes to go, before two late tries – the second after a pass which drifted clearly forward – denied them the chance of a grandstand finish.

Widnes drew first blood after just five minutes, the half back Aaron Heremaia dancing over and Rhys Hanbury adding the conversion for a 6-0 lead.

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The home side’s reply was immediate, back rower Ben Heaton throwing a cut out pass for winger James Saltonstall, who scored in the corner.

Steve Tyrer added the conversion and the home side had a golden opportunity to go in front when Jacob Fairbank split the line, but held on rather than pass to Connor Robinson.

Widnes made Halifax pay for that miss, Lloyd White scoring from close range and Hanbury’s boot making it 12-6.

A third try from Australian forward Chris Houston followed on the half hour, Hanbury converting, and the game looked to be drifting out of reach .

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But Adam Robinson stormed over from a Scott Murrell pass, Tyrer narrowing the deficit to 18-12 at the break.

They were level on 47 minutes when Murrell chipped the ball over the line and Miles Greenwood cleaned up a favourable bounce to score under the posts for Tyrer to convert.

They continued to make half chances, but it was Widnes who regained the lead with 17 minutes remaining, Charly Runciman scoring in the corner.

Hanbury’s kick drifted inches wide and Halifax, trailing just 
22-18, piled on the pressure.

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But Widnes sealed the win with four minutes remaining when Hep Cahill touched down after a loose pass that drifted forward, Hanbury converting.

Halifax: Greenwood; Sharp, Smeaton, Tyrer, Saltonstall; C. Robinson, Murrell; Bennion, B. Moore, Tangata, Manning, Heaton, Fairbank. Substitutes: Johnston, Kaye, R. Moore. A. Robinson.

Widnes: Hanbury; Thompson, Runciman, Dean, Chamberlain; Mellor, Heremaia; Cahill, White, Dudson, Houston, Sa, Leuluai. Substitutes: Manuokafoa, Whitley, Chapelhow, Johnstone.

Referee: M. Woodhead (RFL).

Related topics:HalifaxSuper League