Widnes too strong for Halifax

Widnes bounced back from last week’s defeat to Warrington by comfortably beating Halifax at the MBI Shay.

Despite a tight opening 30 minutes, the Vikings never really looked in trouble as Joe Mellor shined on his 150th career appearance.

They opened the scoring after just seven minutes as Chris Bridge collected the ball close to the line, stepping inside, using strength and power to go over.

It took 20 minutes before the next four-pointer as Mellor broke through before offloading for Lloyd White to score.

The visitors landed a major blow just before half-time when Charly Runciman benefited from great work by Rhys Hanbury to go over; White kicking his third successful goal to give them a 18-0 half-time lead.

To be in with a chance Halifax needed the first score of the second half but they didn’t get it as Runciman turned provider for Corey Thompson to grab the Vikings fourth try.

It was becoming a stroll in the park for Widnes when Thompson went over again moments later, the winger taking a fantastic cross-field kick from Danny Craven to notch his second of the game.

To the credit of the home side they didn’t give in and Ben Heaton grabbed a quick-fire double to reduce the deficit to 26-10 going into the final quarter.

But the result was put beyond doubt with eight minutes to go as Mellor marked his 150th game with a fine solo try, before Craven got over to put the icing on the cake.

It was an important result for the Vikings in a potentially difficult game as they ran out deserved 36-12 winners.