ALTHOUGH below strength, Hoppers had an easy passage into the second round of the Thwaites Lancashire Cup with a nine try demolition of a gallant but outclassed Widnes side.
The lead at half time was 35-0 with the first three tries coming from acting skipper and flanker Anton Cramant followed by one each to Owen McKenna and Gary Monaghan. Sam Houston added the five conversions. Several substitutions by both sides in the second half brought periods of scrappy play but Hoppes continued to dominate.
Chris O'Toole scored in the first minute, Houston converting before Widnes claimed a converted try.
Housted then hoisted his tally to 26 points with two tries and conversions.
Widnes scored an unconverted try but Hoppers signed off in style with a try by new centre Gary Lowe and a Steve Gough conversion.
The draw for the second round takes Hoppers to old rivals Fylde on March 9.
League action is resumed on Saturday with a trip to Hull Ionians who were beaten 43-22 at Lightfoot Green four weeks ago.
Final score: Preston Grasshoppers 63 Widnes 12
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