Farewells by the dozen

Sep 25 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES Vikings head coach Steve McCormack admitted the club had taken some ‘tough decisions’ in releasing 12 players to comply with the salary cap.

Sam Barlow, Adam Bowman, Dayne Donoghue, Rob Draper, Adel Fellous, Tommy Gallagher, Ian Hardman, Martin McLoughlin, Gareth Morton, Paul Noone and Steve Roper will all ply their trade elsewhere next season, as will Bob Beswick, who joined Halifax a fortnight ago.

McCormack said: “It’s always a sad time of the year when players have to be released and this time we had to make some really tough decisions to ensure we comply with the salary cap in 2009.

“None of the players have let us down throughout the 2008 campaign and I, along with all the staff at the Vikings, would like to thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future.”

Vikings fans will, meanwhile, welcome back another former favourite next season after the club resigned back-rower Lee Doran from Leigh Centurions.

Doran follows fellow former Viking Toa Kohe-Love back through the doors of the Stobart Stadium Halton for the 2009 Co-operative National League One season.

The 26-year-old Irish international is pleased to be making a return to the club which is responsible for some of his fondest playing memories to date.

Doran said: “Widnes is going to be a very exciting place over the next few years and I’m looking forward to pulling on the Vikings shirt again.

“2007 was a great season and the win over Whitehaven in the Northern Rail Cup final was a particular highlight.

“I know a lot of the players at the club and I’m sure that with a good off-season together we will come out all guns blazing in 2009.”

He added: “I am really excited about our prospects for next year.”

McCormack is delighted to have the talented Doran back on board.

He said: “Lee showed in our recent game at Hilton Park what a dynamic forward he is and his ability to release the ball in the tackle is second to none.

“I’m sure that he will be an integral member of our squad next season.”

Vikings’ second string enjoyed greater fortune against Halifax than their first team peers did in the play-offs.

Widnes beat the Yorkshiremen to win the Reserve Grand Final at Hilton Park on Sunday.

Vikings recorded a comprehensive 48-18 victory, courtesy of tries from Paddy Flynn 2, Dave Kennedy 2, Adam Bowman 2, Dayne Donoghue, David Dourley and Ryan McPaul with Scott Yates kicking six goals.

Meanwhile, the club has been throwing its scholarship net far and wide to sign up its latest batch of exciting young talent.

Head of youth performance Stuart Wilkinson has invited a selection of elite Year 9 players from across Halton, Warrington and Merseyside to join the club.

Four of the youngsters featured in the Halton Service Area team earlier this year and it is hoped all 10 will progress through the scholarship process and represent Widnes at first-team level in the future.

Further details are now available of Widnes Vikings Supporters Club’s commemorative dinner on the 30th anniversary of the club’s 11-10 victory over an Australian touring side.

Former Great Britain, Wakefield and Featherstone forward Mick Morgan will be guest speaker while members of the 1978 team including Mick George, Reg Bowden, Jim Mills, Keith Elwell, Doug Laughton, John Myler and Glyn Shaw, will also attend along with former physiotherapist Frank Tobin.

The event, in a marquee at Stobart Stadium Halton on Saturday, October 25 (7pm), marks the last victory by a British club side against the visiting Kangaroos.

Tickets are priced £30 and are available from Alan Rae on 07837 283634.