Challenge Cup: Widnes Vikings battle past Workington

Dave Allen: two of Widnes' six tries

Dave Allen touched down twice as the visitors crossed six times in all, 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 with five minutes played 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 in as many minutes.

Workington were unable to turn their pressure into points however and Widnes added to their lead on 15 minutes, when skipper 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 from a much easier angle.

And just after the midway point in the half Hock's converted try from first receiver put a bit of daylight between the sides.

Physical

Widnes were struggling to get to grips with the greasy conditions and Workington's physical approach but on the stroke half-time an Owens penalty from right in front made it 18-0 after Town's defence had been too eager coming off their own line.

Town were then guilty of wasting several good opportunities after the break, before Allen crashed over for Widnes with just over an hour played.

And when 19-year-old powerhouse forward Adam Lawton capitalise on an unforced error in the Town defence two minutes later Widnes' progression to the next round was secure. Owens landed both attempts at goal to make it 30-0.

Allen crossed for his second in the final minute after Joe Mellor's grubber and Owens completed the scoring with another fine conversion.