Widnes Vikings 32 Swinton Lions 18

INJURY-hit Widnes made heavy weather of it before finally getting the better of Swinton Lions at Halton Stadium.

The National League Two side weren't given much hope before kick-off but produced a spirited display, which was reflected in the 32-14 score line.

The ease with which Widnes scored their first try suggested a Sunday afternoon stroll was in the offing.

Scrumhalf Gary Hulse's grubber kick was fielded almost casually by Daniel Frame as he crossed the line to touch down.

Paul Crook's conversion made it 6-0.

The visitors quickly showed they were no easy-beats when they scored the try of the match after just six minutes.

Excellent handling on their own 20-metre line saw the Lions create a two-man overlap.

The ball was quickly served to flying winger Marlon Billy who set off on a 70-metre dash up the left wing.

Widnes fullback Tim Holmes put in a valiant chase but his last-ditch tackle wasn't enough to stop Billy scoring at the corner.

The Vikings looked to re-assert their superiority and for a while it again looked as if they could take complete control.

Winger Misili Manu finished off an overlap in the left corner and the admirable Mick Cassidy hit a short-ball close to the line with enough conviction to force his way over the whitewash.

To their credit, Swinton refused to give in and a try from dummy-half by hooker Phil Joseph converted by Lee Marsh sent them in just 16-12 down at the interval.

They also had the better of the opening exchanges in the second half but found themselves further behind when Manu scored his second try after fine work by Crook and Aaron Moule.

Frame also notched a double following some committed running from close range and Widnes looked to be home-and-dry at 26-12.

Again Swinton responded, as Billy became the third two-try hero of the afternoon.

Any thoughts of the visitors pulling off a late shock were ended when Holmes crossed to complete the scoring for Widnes.

Widnes coach Frank Endacott will be pleased to be in the last 16 but a trip to Barrow doesn't look that easy on current form.

Widnes: Holmes (1t); Rowlands (1g); Emelio; Moule; Manu (2t); Crook (3g); Hulse; Whitaker; Smith; Mills; Cassidy (1t); Frame (2t); Finnigan; Subs: Nash; Fa'alogo; Alcock; Gill.