Vikings target Scotland star

Mar 6 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

VIKINGS could be ready to swoop for Whitehaven’s Richard Fletcher.

Speculation in Cumbria suggests Widnes may make a move for the back-rower before the National League One season.

Fletcher was is in Steve McCormack’s Scottish squad which qualified for the next World Cup.

Vikings head coach McCormack has already completed one signing from his previous club Haven, half-back John Duffy making a two-try debut on Sunday.

Samoan international centre Gray Viane is also being linked with a return to the Vikings for whom he played in Super League under Frank Endacott, the player’s agent.

Meanwhile, Widnes captain Mark Smith has been handed a two-game ban – and £100 fine – after being found guilty at an RL disciplinary hearing of a “reckless high tackle”.

The offence brought his dismissal in the Northern Rail Cup at Leigh.

Before Tuesday’s tribunal, Smith had stressed Vikings can’t afford any slip-ups on the potential Carnegie Challenge Cup banana skin against Hull amateurs Skirlaugh, which he now misses this Sunday.

Admission will be free but fans will be asked for a donation to Clatterbridge Hospital.

Vikings chairman Steve O’Connor has agreed an undisclosed settlement with Skirlaugh over the initiative.

Sidelined Smith says Widnes will prepare for the clash as if they are facing Wigan or St Helens.

The prize for victory this weekend is a potential fourth-round plum tie against a top-flight club.

Smith said: “We have put two good performances together and we want that to continue.

“We can’t afford any mistakes on Sunday. We are taking this game very seriously and are preparing as though we are playing Super League opposition to ensure that there are no hiccups.

“It’s really important we start to build up a good run of wins and we won’t be taking Skirlaugh lightly because they are a BARLA team.”

McCormack has excluded the word “amateur” from all conversations surrounding the part- timers as he expects a tough game.

He added: “As far as BARLA teams go, they are one of the best in their respective competition. They are a very good side.”

Dean Gaskell was named on Tuesday as Widnes Vikings’ first player-of-the-month of the season.