Vikings shake off Eagles and illness

Apr 10 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

NOT even the flu epidemic ravaging the Vikings squad and their preparation for the crunch Northern Rail Cup clash with the high-flying Eagles could stop Gavin Dodd and team-mates demolishing Sheffield.

Only 11 players had been fit for training on Thursday last week as injuries and illness had threatened to scupper the Vikings’ chances of progressing through to the last eight.

But Dodd’s hat-trick of tries and another stunning show from Mark Smith gave the Vikings the breathing space they needed.

Head coach McCormack said after Sunday’s win: “We didn’t have the best preparation as a number of players were suffering with flu and others were injured.

“The likes of Scott Yates shouldn’t really have played. Eleven players have trained on Thursday which shows you some of the problems we have had, so for the players to put in an effort like under those circumstances was really pleasing.”

McCormack added: “Sheffield came here to win – no doubt about it.

“We had to be good defensively in the first half as they looked to come back at us.

“But we stepped things up in the second half and I thought Iain Morrison, Jim Gannon and Tommy Gallagher were superb.

“In fact, I think Tommy Gallagher has had his best game of the season so far.”

The Eagles are third in Co-operative National League One.

But their Stobart Stadium Halton showing was far from impressive as Widnes ran riot after the break.

The Vikings turned in a thoroughly professional performance and stretched their unbeaten run to four games.

The 2,262 crowd was the only disappointing aspect – especially as Widnes will entertain Super League licence rivals Celtic Crusaders and RFL hierarchy on Sunday, April 27.

The Yorkshire visitors had kept themselves afloat in the first period – restricting Vikings to only two scores, from Ian Hardman and Dodd.

But the floodgates were later flung open.

Lee Paterson touched down two minutes after the restart following an excellent offload from substitute Gallagher.

Gallagher then sent in Tim Hartley with another deft pass four minutes later as the Eagles had their wings clipped.

To make matters worse, Sheffield’s former Widnes second-rower Matt Whitaker was sent to the bin for an infringement at a play-the-ball.

Widnes benefited immediately as John Duffy combined with Hartley and Paterson to send Dodd in.

The Vikings kept the pressure on and Smith’s brilliant cut-out pass gave Danny Hill the easiest score.

Hartley added the extras from in front, one of his eight goals in all.

Hill undid some of his good work with a high shot which warranted a 10-minute absence but Widnes were in full control.

Mike Roby and Danny Mills crossed for Sheffield as the Vikings took the foot off the gas slightly.

But Hartley’s penalty goal and Dodd’s scorching effort on 78 minutes wrapped things up.

Widnes boss Steve McCormack was more than satisfied with his team’s performance.

He hopes the Vikings will land a home tie in the quarter-final draw.

This is to be shown on Sky Sports tonight (Thursday) as part of the channel’s live National League One coverage.

McCormack said: “All you want now is a home draw but we will have to wait and see what we get.

“There are still some excellent teams left in this competition.”