Challenge Cup: Widnes Vikings 20-23 Leeds Rhinos

Tom Briscoe has scored five tries in 14 appearances for Leeds Rhinos this season

Leeds Rhinos held off a second-half Widnes fightback to reach the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Tries from Tom Briscoe and Richie Myler, who also kicked a drop-goal, put Leeds ahead at half-time despite Matt Whitley crossing for Widnes.

The visitors extended their lead to 19 points after the break as Ashton Golding and Stevie Ward went over.

Three quick tries from Whitley, Alex Gerrard and Charly Runciman gave Vikings hope, but Leeds held on.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan could have settled the match in the final minute, but he knocked-on metres short of the Widnes line.

The hosts were made to pay for a poor start to the game, with Leeds' opening try coming shortly after Golding had been sent to the sin-bin for holding on in the tackle.

Rhinos suffered a scare in the build-up to Briscoe's try, with Carl Ablett unable to return after going off injured, while prop Mikolaj Oledzki was also hurt late on.

Widnes, 10th in the Super League table, have lost their past seven games in all competitions.

Widnes Vikings: Hanbury; Ince, Runciman, Chamberlain, Marsh; Gilmore, Heremaia; Gerrard, White, Burke, Whitley, Wilde, Cahill.

Replacements: Leuluai, Olbison, Wellington, Johnstone.

Leeds Rhinos: Walker; Briscoe, Watkins, Handley, Golding; Moon, Myler; Oldezki, Parcell, Cuthbertson, Ablett, Ward, Jones-Buchanon.

Replacements: Peteru, Mullally, Dwyer, Ferrers.