Widnes boss Denis Betts has called for video referees at every fixture after claiming his team were denied a place in the next round of the Challenge Cup by a refereeing decision.

His Vikings fought back from a 23-10 deficit and should have won the game against Leeds at the death as he insisted his half-back Aaron Heremaia forced the ball over the line for a game-clinching try.

“We should be in the hat for the next round as Aaron got the ball down,” Betts said.

“This just reinforces the fact that we need video refs at every game now. Their first try was offside too and Aaron is adamant he grounded the ball. The game has been decided by a poor decision.”

Leeds were in charge and should have kicked on after scores from Tom Briscoe, Richie Myler, Ashton Golding and Stevie Ward, but they were stunned by the Vikings.

Matt Whitley crossed for a brace and Alex Gerrard and Charley Runciman efforts put Widnes within touching distance before the controversial call.

Betts added: “It was tough to take when you get those calls. This stuff can break people’s seasons.

“We put an awful lot of energy into this game and got nothing out of it. Both sides busted themselves.

“But ultimately it’s been decided on a few key moments that we should get right (meaning the officials). Both sides went after each other and the way we fought back was great but it’s a tough one tonight to stomach.”

Leeds coach Brian McDermott said his team were coasting before they were clawed back by the valiant Vikings.

He said: “We looked in control and we were on the cusp of putting 30 more points on them but credit to them they came back at us. The main thing is the win and we’re in the next round.

“I thought we were robust in the first half but too robust. We had a few opportunities missed. We were solid and we came out after half-time and went over for two tries but we could have done more.

“Our strength of character was good and I thought we were ready to open up and we didn’t and we put pressure on ourselves.

“Credit to Widnes, they came back at us. They are not a poor team and they are not that far off and they may have few Ls next to their name which could well be Ws.

“We were not playing a team that is out of sorts and there was some big moments in the last 15 minutes of the game to reflect upon, sometimes as a young group you have these games.

“There’s a group of frustrated men out there but we have won and we are in the next round.”

Betts would not be drawn into any comments regarding the Vikings’ attendance of 1,865, their lowest of the year.

“I just coach the team, don’t ask me about that,” he said.

“To the ones that came, thanks for coming – you saw a fantastic game.”