Challenge Cup: Halifax 18-28 Widnes Vikings

Charly Runciman's second-half try helped Widnes into the Challenge Cup quarter-finals

Super League side Widnes Vikings held off a comeback from Championship outfit Halifax to reach the last eight of the Challenge Cup.

Widnes were 18-6 up after 30 minutes with tries from Aaron Heremaia, Lloyd White and Chris Houston, James Saltonstall replying for the hosts.

Adam Robinson crossed just before half-time for Halifax, who levelled with Miles Greenwood's try after the break.

But Charly Runciman and Jay Chapelow scored late on to send Widnes through.

Halifax head coach Richard Marshall: "A few calls didn't go our way, and there were a couple of forward passes in a couple of the build-ups to one, possibly two tries.

"It's tough to lose because I thought we were the better team."

Widnes head coach Denis Betts: "It wasn't as comfortable as I wanted it to be, but it was all the things we expected.

"I am happy but relieved at the same time because it was a very tough encounter."

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

Replacements: Johnston, Kaye, R. Moore, A. Robinson.

Widnes: Hanbury, Thompson, Runciman, Dean, Chamberlain, Mellor, Heremaia, Cahill, White, Dudson, Houston, Sa, Leuluai.

Replacements: Manuokafoa, Whitley, J. Chapelhow, Johnstone.

Referee: Mike Woodhead