WIDNES secured their place in the next round of the EDF Senior Energy Vase in a closely-fought contest.
It was their second win at Melrose Avenue in three weeks and keeps Widnes well placed in both league and cup as the second half of the season beckons.
Full-back Andy Riley opened the scoring for the visitors with a try before Hoylake cut the deficit with a penalty.
Widnes then absorbed lots of Hoylake pressure before the try of the match seemed to turn the game on its head.
From a scrum close to their own line, Rob Critchley grabbed possession and fed the supporting Karl Shingler.
Shingler then released Marc Wilcox, who covered the remaining 60 metres in rapid time, leaving several defenders in his wake as he crossed the line.
Kevin Leadbetter added the extras to hand Widnes a 12-3 lead going into the break.
In the second half, three further penalties left the game evenly poised, before Leadbetter’s third successful kick five minutes before time wrapped up the victory.
