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Widnes outclassed Championship side Workington to progress to the Challenge Cup quarter-finals for the first time in eight years.

Seven-time winners Widnes were ahead thanks to Chris Dean's well-worked try.

Workington got on top, but the visitors capitalised on their failure to score as Stefan Marsh and Gareth Hock crossed to make it 18-0 at half-time.

Dave Allen then went over twice for the Vikings, either side of youngster Adam Lawton's try to ensure victory.

Jack Owens also kicked six goals - including one drop-goal - as his side reached the last eight of the competition.

Part-time Workington will feel unfortunate not to have crossed the line at least once, coming close when hooker Graeme Mattinson's 30-metre dart was halted by Owens and Hock and when Marc Shackley fumbled with the line at his mercy.

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Workington boss Gary Charlton said:

"We had a real dig and played for the full 80 minutes.

"But at the end of the day they just had a little too much class for us and we didn't take our chances."

Widnes coach Denis Betts said:

"It was a real good tough, old-fashioned game of rugby league and they made life really difficult for us.

"Both sides showed lots of commitment in difficult conditions. I am delighted not to concede and we are looking forward to the next round now.

"But Gary [Charlton] should be really proud of his side, I thought they did very well."

LINE-UPS

Workington: Carter, Miller, Mossop, Patrick, Calderwood, Lupton, Connor, Dowes, C. Phillips, Coward, Shackley, Stack, Olstrum.

Replacements: Morris, Robinson, Mattinson, Thackray.

Widnes: Owens, Flynn, Marsh, Phelps, Dean, Craven, Mellor, Pickersgill, Clarke, O'Carroll, Hock, Winterstein, Allen.

Replacements: Joseph, Kavanagh, White, Lawton.

Referee: George Stokes