Challenge Cup: Wakefield Trinity 44-16 Halifax

Wakefield scored 26 unanswered second-half points as they eventually overcame dogged Halifax to book their place in the sixth round of the Challenge Cup.

Two Richard Owen tries and one for Daniel Smith saw the Wildcats lead 18-10 at the break, James Saltonstall and Ben Heaton replying for Fax.

Gareth Potts reduced the Super League side's lead to two points.

But they eased clear in the closing stages through Chris Riley, Craig Hall, Danny Washbrook and Ian Kirke's brace.

Victory against their part-time Championship opponents ended Trinity's eight-game losing run and ensured their name will be in the draw for the last 16 alongside the sides that finished in the top eight of Super League last season.

Wakefield coach James Webster: "Everyone's aim in the Challenge Cup is to get into the draw for the next round, and we've been good enough to do that.

"I thought Halifax were outstanding. It's no fluke they played like that. They've got a heap of players who have played a lot of Super League - and even didn't pick a few who have played a lot of Super League - and will be more than ultra-competitive in that league.

"We made some strides today. We've still got some more to make but we're looking forward to making them. I'm just pleased we're in the draw. We've made a dramatic improvement from last week."

Halifax coach Richard Marshall: "It was a little bit like the story of our season. We've been in with a chance of winning most of our games and I don't think it was any different this evening.

"I think the full-time opposition told towards the end as they racked up a few points, which was not a fair reflection of our efforts.

"Two-thirds of our squad have worked today - they've been on roofs and cleaning windows - and that was probably what got us.

"I'm pretty disappointed but we did go toe-to-toe with a Super League outfit so there are positives to take away."

Wakefield: Hall, Owen, Ryan, Arundel, Riley, Miller, T. Smith, Scruton, McShane, Simon, Lauitiiti, Kirmond, Washbrook.

Replacements: D. Smith, Kirke, Molloy, Trout.

Halifax: Saltonstall, Brown, Heaton, Sheriffe, Potts, Taylor, Murrell, Cahalane, Kaye, Ambler, Divorty, Manning, Moore.

Replacements: Tangata, Bracek, Spencer, Maneely.

Att: 2.062

Referee: Joe Cobb (RFL)