WIDNES Vikings' hopes of a third successive Grand Final were destroyed in the first round of the play-offs at the Shay.

"We had plenty of possession but Halifax defended really well and deserved the win," said Vikings' coach Steve McCormack. "But I'm proud of what has been achieved this season."

The Vikings had no answer to half back Ben Black, who scored two tries and had a hand in the other three for Fax, plus the kicking game of Graham Holdroyd.

Down 22-6 just after the break, Widnes hit back in an entertaining game with Gavin Dodd - his second - and Stephen Tyrer crossing for tries to pull the score back to 22-16, but the Yorkshire side stepped up a gear.