Keeping the dream alive

Apr 3 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES boss Steve McCormack says the Vikings have done all they can to secure a place in Super League next season.

And chairman Steve O’Connor reckons the club is one step closer to its dream.

The Vikings submitted an application O’Connor had earlier described as “irresistible” to the Rugby Football League on Monday.

They now join 19 other clubs anxiously awaiting decisions in July after submitting bids for three-year licences from 2009-2011 inclusive.

Bidding alongside Super League’s 12 current clubs are Toulouse Olympique, who hope to join fellow French outfit Catalans Dragons in the elite, and six National League teams.

These are Widnes, Salford, Celtic Crusaders, Leigh Centurions, Featherstone Rovers and Halifax RLFC.

Salford, Widnes and Celtic Crusaders are expected to battle for the two likely vacancies.

But present Super League outfits Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Castleford Tigers will have to prove they are well ahead with new stadia plans.

McCormack stressed: “We can’t have done any more than we have. We have everything in place and we think we have submitted an excellent application for Super League 2009.”

Chairman O'Connor said: “We are one step closer today to realising our dream.

“We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes on our application and we all hope we achieve the result we want.”

McCormack says the players’ attention is fixed solely on the job of continuing to win games after wiping out their nine-point penalty, imposed for the club entering administration, in just three games.

He added: “We have made a great start to the new Co-operative National League One season and have three wins from three.”

Vikings and McCormack turn the focus to the Northern Rail Cup as they look to continue a rich vein of form this Sunday against high-flying visitors Sheffield Eagles (ko 3pm) for a place in the quarter-final.

Holders Widnes will be without workhorse Paul Noone who is out for up to four weeks with a knee cartilage injury.

Impressive back-rower Dayne Donoghue will deputise.

McCormack says his side is wary of Mark Aston’s Eagles, who have won two out of three in the league.

He said: “Mark always has his players prepared and they are a very well-drilled side with some talented players.

“We want to keep progressing in this competition and keep our hands on the trophy so we need another big performance. That is what it will take.”