Widnes Vikings: Play-off hopes over

HALIFAX put an end to Widnes’ challenge for a third successive Grand Final appearance, despite a typically gutsy Vikings performance at The Shay.

The difference between the sides in the elimination play-off was the extra flair of the hosts against the workmanlike visitors.

The home side took a 4-0 lead on four minutes through talismanic scrum-half Ben Black.

Widnes responded when Gavin Dodd collected a Matty Smith bomb to go over in the corner, Steve Tyrer converting.

Black then shocked the Vikings defence to its core, storming 70 metres to score his second try of the game, which was improved by Graham Holroyd.

Mark Flanagan stretched the home side’s advantage with a brace of tries either side of the interval with Holroyd’s two goals making it 22-6.

Dodd matched Flanagan’s efforts by going over for his second try of the game as Vikings began to apply some pressure.

Steve Tyrer converted from near the touchline, before crossing himself from a slick Widnes passing move.

The on-loan Saints centre narrowly missed the difficult kick.

Bob Beswick, Ian Hardman and Iain Morrison began to drive the Vikings forward, but Halifax soon rediscovered their first-half form.

Paul Smith touched down, leaving Holroyd to again add the extras.

Stand-off John Duffy received a heavy knock to the head as Widnes continued to chase the game.

Substitutes Paul Noone and Adel Fellous both went close late on with the Frenchman seeing his try disallowed for a double movement.

However, two late kicks by the experienced Holroyd effectively finished the tie as a contest.

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