Rugby League: Widnes Vikings urge fans to keep crowd numbers up

Jan 29 2008

WIDNES VIKINGS chairman Steve O’Connor claims crowd support will be a key element in any successful Super League license application.

On Sunday more than 5,000 fans turned out for Widnes Vikings’ friendly fixture against Wigan Warriors – an attendance which was bigger than the Warriors’ clash with Bradford Bulls a week earlier.

Although Steve McCormack’s young Widnes outfit were put to the sword by Brian Noble’s talented team the club claims the game has sent a message to the world of rugby league that Widnes is back in business.

O’Connor said: “I think it’s apparent to everyone the massive transformation that has taken place here over the last couple of months. A successful Super League License Application will be largely dependent on the demonstrating to the Rugby Football League that we can attract supporters in sufficient numbers to merit a license.

“The turn-out on Sunday was very encouraging and we must build on that and try to attract more people to watch our National League 1 fixtures than we had last season.”

Halton Borough Council Leader Cllr Tony McDermott said: “It’s great news that Vikings have attracted 5,151 people here for a friendly fixture.

“And this when the match is being played at the same time that Manchester United are playing Spurs in an FA Cup match broadcast on BBC television.

“This is a good crowd and we must build on this if we are to make a successful application to get in Super League.”

“Renaissance is a really overworked word but what Steve O’Connor has achieved here in a few short months is quite staggering. It is a renaissance. You just have to look at the new facilities provided at the stadium for the players and the Press. It’s really very heartening.”

Meanwhile McCormack is poised to make a swoop for two of Wigan’s most promising youngsters who played a big role in the Vikings’ defeat last weekend.

The club is remaining tight-lipped about the identities of the duo but the Vikings could have them on board in time for the start of the National League One season.

Meanwhile, Wigan coach Brian Noble hailed Richie Mathers after the new boy crossed for two debut tries in the victory at Widnes.

The former Leeds full-back, who joined the Warriors from Gold Coast Titans in Australia, showed no ill-effects from a second serious knee injury to give an assured display as the Warriors completed their preparations for their engage Super League opener at Harlequins in a fortnight with a 42-18 win.

Mathers’ first score came after a sublime dummy that fooled three defenders, while the second arrived after he backed up a fine break by hat-trick hero Harrison Hansen to race in from 50 metres.

“He was crying out for the oxygen when he went half the length of the field, but he showed up well,” Noble said.

“He hasn’t played for a while, but we’re both delighted with how it went.

“He didn’t suffer any after-effects to the injury. We’re pleased for him.”

Sean O’Loughlin and Mickey Higham grabbed the other tries for the Warriors, with Pat Richards (five) and Nicky Stanton (two) continuing the Warriors’ 100% goalkicking record across all three pre-season hit-outs. admitted the game will have done his side a great deal of good as they prepare to embark on the new league campaign at Harlequins on Saturday week.

“It was a good test for us,” Noble continued. “There were a few things we needed to iron out and we did that.

“We’ve come through it with a clean bill of health, and I thought Harrison Hansen did very well.

“It’s all down to determination and work ethic with him. He’s improving week by week.

“I believe you generally get out of it what you put into it, and he’s getting his just rewards.

“Widnes were a tough side, and it was less than friendly at times. That’s why I don’t like to call these games friendlies.”

One of the unsavoury incidents Noble was alluding to led to Widnes prop Iain Morrison making a biting allegation, while Warriors hooker Mick McIlorum and Vikings winger Dean Gaskell were sin-binned for brawling a few minutes later.

Neither Noble nor Widnes coach Steve McCormack would be drawn on the biting allegation, which was put on report by referee Gareth Hewer and which the RFL will look into early this week.

Morrison, Dean Gaskell and Paul Noone scored the tries for Widnes, with Tim Hartley also faultless with the boot.

Noble reported good news regarding the condition of scrum-half Thomas Leuluai, who was forced off after only five minutes with an injury to his left arm.

“He’s fine, he just extended his elbow a bit, he’ll be fine for Harlequins,” he added.