WIDNES Vikings put an end to Halifax Panthers' winning run 25-6 at the DCBL Stadium, writes Eithan Boulter-Ashcroft.

Following last week's narrow defeat to Dewsbury Rams, Widnes found themselves on a five-game losing streak heading into the contest with the Panthers, who, alongside Toulouse Olympique, were one of the in form sides in the Betfred Championship with eight wins in a row.

Vikings opened the scoring inside five minutes. After going close down the right-hand side Widnes then spread the ball out to the left allowing Danny Craven to give his side a 4-0 lead.

The next points in the game came in the 20th minute. A nice move saw Scott Grix put James Saltonsall away with a miss-out pass, the winger feeding Ed Barber on his inside to respond for Halifax. Woodburn-Hall added the extras to make it 4-6.

Widnes were able to mount pressure on the Panthers line. A neat kick into the in-goal forced Woodburn-Hall to concede a drop-out and on the next set Widnes took full advantage. Ollie Brookes forced his way over the line to send his side in at the break with a 10-6 lead.

The second-half performances from the Vikings have ultimately cost them games.

But on this occasion Widnes kept the Panthers scoreless and Simon Finnigan’s side extended their lead.

A forward pass from the visitors proved to be a costly mistake, as Ste Tyrer managed to force his way over in the corner with Jack Owens adding the extras off the touchline.

As the clocked ticked past the hour mark Widnes saw themselves with a 16-6 lead and their first victory in six games within sight.

Halifax tried to get themselves back into the game but time and time again they came up against a stubborn Vikings defensive line.

Adam Lawton was just one man who stepped up in defence to deny Panthers.

With just five minutes remaining Halifax were penalised for being offside and Owens took the two points on offer to extend the lead to 18-6.

Danny Craven put the icing on the cake in the final minutes with a drop-goal.

Kenny Baker crossed for Vikings' final try.

For Vikings this win may be too little too late for the side's hopes of reaching the play-off places.