Dean shines in gloom

Jun 12 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

NEW signing Chris Dean danced his way over for two superb tries but those efforts could not prevent another defeat for the Vikings – the third in as many games, writes Ian Cheveau.

Dean, a midweek capture from St Helens, was in sparkling first-half form and he took his two four-pointers well to gain the man-of-the-match award.

But the youngster was, in the main, underused by the Vikings half-backs.

Dean may well have skated his way over in scorching fashion but the Vikings defence was more like Jayne Torvill than Dean as they conceded six tries and another hefty points tally.

Widnes surrendered an 18-6 lead in the first half and then were passengers for the remainder of the contest as Halifax dominated proceedings in the second period.

Although the Vikings crossed on 66 minutes through Ian Hardman, Halifax always seemed in the driving seat.

The Vikings are under the cosh at the moment but it is to be expected considering the number of injuries they have to their threadbare squad.

The latest man to leave the field was inspirational skipper Mark Smith with a serious elbow injury which could keep him out for up to six weeks.

Halifax, whose 2007 campaign ended at Stobart Stadium Halton in the Grand Final Qualifier, are top of the table on merit and this was never going to be easy for McCormack’s team

It seemed as though Halifax could score at will due to a combination of missed one-on-ones and sloppy tackling from the home side and it is worrying to see Widnes players falling off tackles at a crucial point in the season.

Halifax substitute Sean Penkywicz changed the game and his dummy- half control in the middle of the park split the Vikings in two.

The Vikings surrendered a 24-18 lead just before the break and ‘Fax gained momentum from Widnes’s defensive inadequacies.

Vikings had started well enough through Hardman, who crossed on 11 minutes.

Debutant centre Dean scorched over for a first-half double and a Lee Paterson four-pointer gave Widnes a decent lead, but Halifax stormed back through Shad Royston, who crossed for three tries in the first 40.

Former Widnes full-back Miles Greenwood and ex- Warrington centre Richard Varkulis were also on target.

Veteran Halifax stand-off Graham Holroyd, who struck eight goals, made it 26-24 after the break and, although Hardman crashed over on 66 minutes, Halifax were always in control.

Greenwood ended any hopes of a late fightback with a try with seven minutes remaining.