PAUL CULLEN’S Widnes’ reign began with defeat as Halifax held on to get their season off to a winning start after a later Widnes surge.
The 24-14 loss may count for nothing later in the season as the Vikings really find their feet under Cullen, but Widnes simply gave themselves to much to do in this clash – even though they dominated the second period.
Halifax made a dream start when scrum-half Ben Black scored a try after two minutes but the Vikings hit back with winger Paddy Flynn’s 11th-minute effort.
Further tries through prop Neil Cherryholme and exciting winger Rob Worrincy put the home side 16-4 ahead by half-time and a penalty from Mick Govin stretched their lead to 14 points.
The Vikings dominated the second half and tries from winger Dean Gaskell and centre Shane Grady brought them back to 18-14 but substitute Govin ended their fightback with Halifax’s fourth try.
THE draw for the Northern Rail Cup quarter-finals is: Widnes v York, Oldham v Featherstone, Halifax v Leigh, Barrow v Dewsbury. Ties to be played from June 4-7.
