WIDNES Vikings' run in the 2021 Betfred Challenge Cup is over.

They were defeated 68-4 by Super League side Salford Red Devils in the third round at the AJ Bell Stadium in today's lunchtime kick-off.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

One minute's silence for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. All pictures by Richard Walker

Vikings, who had knocked out Whitehaven and West Wales Raiders in the opening two rounds, trailed 24-4 at the break.

Daniel Hill crossed for Vikings a minute before half time but it proved to be brief respite as two more Salford tries in the opening minutes of the second half put the game to bed and the floodgates opened.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Four of Salford's 12 tries were scored in the last seven minutes.

Former Vikings centre Krisnan Inu had a fine afternoon with the boot, landing 10 of his dozen attempts at goal.

Ex-Saints centre Matty Costello and French international Morgan Escare each touched down twice for the hosts, whose other tries came from Tui Lolohea, Dec Patton, Andy Ackers, Seb Ikahihifo, Kallum Watkins, Jack Ormondroyd, Rhys Williams and Chris Atkin.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Runcorn and Widnes World: