Stubborn Workington bow out to Widnes

The seven-time winners were far from their best but in the end had a little too much for the Championship side in miserable conditions at Derwent Park.

Dave Allen touched down twice as the visitors crossed six times, with Jack Owens kicking 12 points. Chris Dean, Stefan Marsh, Gareth Hock all went over before the break with Allen’s second-half double coming either side of teenager Adam Lawton’s score.

With the wind at their backs the Vikings took the lead as Chris Dean danced along the touchline to score in the corner after Hock’s outstanding cut-out pass. Owens was unable to add the extras.

Town responded well to going behind and some deft touches off the boot of Peter Lupton forced Widnes to drop out from under their own posts three times.

Workington were unable to turn pressure into points, however, and Widnes added to their lead.

Jon Clarke made a trademark dart from the play the ball and Marsh was in support on the inside to touch down just right of the sticks. Owens made it 10-0 before Hock’s converted try under the sticks from first receiver put a bit of daylight between the sides.

Gary Charlton’s charges refused to throw in the towel though and Graeme Mattinson went close to forcing a way back into the tie with a 30-metre dart.

Widnes were really struggling to get to grips with the greasy conditions and Workington’s physical approach but on the stroke of half-time an Owens penalty from right in front made it 18-0.

Town were guilty of wasting several good opportunities before Allen crashed over for Widnes and when Adam Lawton capitalised on an unforced error in the Town defence Widnes’s progression to the next round was secure. Owens landed both attempts at goal.

Allen crossed for his second and Owens completed the scoring with another fine conversion.

Workington: Carter, Miller, Mossop, Patrick, Calderwood, Lupton, Connor, Dowes, C. Phillips, Coward, Shackley, Stack, Olstrum. Substitutes: Morris, Robinson, Mattinson, Thackray.

Widnes: Owens, Flynn, Marsh, Phelps, Dean, Craven, Mellor, Pickersgill, Clarke, O’Carroll, Hock, Winterstein, Allen. Substitutes: Joseph, Kavanagh, White, Lawton.

Referee: G Stokes (RFL)