WIDNES Vikings blasted off a few more off-season cobwebs with a 30-0 win over Halifax, with Danny Craven impressing in the halves in the absence of the injured Joe Mellor.

In woeful conditions Vikings had been held to just one score in the first half, but in the second half they clicked against the tiring Championship outfit.

Vikings were denied in a couple of early chances with Macgrath Leuluai and Gil Dudson both going close.

But on 15 minutes grubber from Jordan Johnstone caused panic on 15 minutes with Leuluai alert to the error to touch down.

FHalifax, to be fair, defended well and so despite Vikings share of the ball and field position they could not cross.

The second half was a different story, with Charley Runciman getting the ball rolling with a try in the corner on 45 minutes.

Quick hands, including a good last pass from Corey Thompson, linking up from full back, sent Pat Ah Van in at the corner.

On on 58 minutes a strong run from debutant Tom Olbison helped to set up the platform for the determined Craven to force his way over, again on the left.

Stef Marsh was unsuccessful with all three conversion attempts, but Vikings had a healthy 18-0 lead entering the final quarter.

And after a strong run from prom Sam Brooks had put Widnes on the front foot again, Leuluai ran a good line to cross for his second. Tom Gilmore tagged on the extras.

The last try was the pick of the touchdowns, with good hands and plenty of movement seeing Ryan Ince cross in the corner. Gilmore's boot brought up the 30 mark.

Widnes: Hanbury; Thompson, Armstrong, Runciman, Marsh; Craven, Gilmore; Dudson, Johnstone, Buchanan, Whitley, Houston, Leuluai. Subs: Burke, Chapelhow, Olbison, B. walker, T Chapelhow , Ah Van, Dean, Brooks, D. Walker, Ince.

Halifax: Robinson; Saltonstall, Tyrer, Butler, Worrincy; Murrell, Johnstone; Cahalane, Kaye, Tangata, Grady, Bent, Fairbank. Subs: Boyle, Ambler, Nelmes, Moore, Morris, Punchard, McGrath.