Halton Stadium goes international

Nov 8 2007 by Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

INTERNATIONAL rugby league comes to Widnes this Friday with a World Cup double-header.

Samoa take on USA in a 5.30pm kick-off, then Wales play Lebanon at 8pm.

The winner of each game will then qualify for the final eliminator to claim the tenth place in the 2008 World Cup, which is being held in Australia.

Already through are Scotland and Ireland after they topped the European groups.

It was a weekend to savour for Steve McCormack, who confirmed his return to the Vikings on Friday then guided his Scotland team, including his former Widnes charges Mick Nanyn and Oliver Wilkes, to the World Cup on Sunday.

Although they lost 18-16 to Wales in Glasgow, they qualified thanks to a their 21-14 victory in the reverse fixture last year in Bridgend.

And McCormack was understandably delighted after a difficult few weeks.

He said: ‘This is my best achievement without a doubt.

‘I’ve won Northern Rail Cups and league leaders’ trophies with Widnes but I’ve had a lot of disappointment in big finals over the years.’

Five of the Vikings’ 2007 squad also enjoyed the thrill of qualification with Ireland after a late penalty snatched a draw against Lebanon – enough for them to top the three-team group on points difference.

Scott Grix, Damien Blanch, Mick Cassidy, Bob Beswick and Lee Doran were all part of the Irish starting line-up in a very tough match.

But Wales, whose squad includes former Vikings Jordan James, Ian Webster, Gareth Dean and Adam Hughes, must now win two matches in five days if they are to qualify, starting on Friday night.

Admission to the Halton Stadium is £10 for adults and £3 concessions. A family ticket, of two adults and two juniors, is £20.

Full team previews: Wales page 2; Lebanon page 3; Samoa page 4; USA page 5