“We knew what we’d be up against”

Mar 13 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES boss Steve McCormack brushed aside any suggestions his side had been complacent in their Challenge Cup tie victory over amateur opposition.

He said: “We knew that Skirlaugh are a very good side so we knew what we were getting.

“We didn’t play well in the first half and we gave them three chances which they finished off. We gave them opportunities and they took them.

“I told the players at half-time that they needed to stay calm and be a bit more patient and it would come in the second half. We managed to do that.”

Skirlaugh boss Colin Brown said: ‘We’re delighted just to be here – let alone score three good tries against a potential Super League team.

“I hope Widnes get the licence in 2009 as my players and I would love to say that we have been up against a big Super League club like Widnes.

“I think the scoreline doesn’t really do us any favours as we were better than the score suggested.

“We were well in the arm wrestle at half-time and only 10 points adrift.

“We started to win the collisions, the floor, and get some good ball, and we finished off the three tries really well.

“But we didn’t start the second half particularly well, and as the game dragged on it was inevitable that the pace and power of Widnes took over.

“But it was all about the day and we have had a fantastic day out. Widnes have been great to us. It’s a day our lads will never forget.”