Water lot of fun for Vikings

Jun 19 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

VIKINGS took full advantage of their match-free weekend by engaging in a teambuilding club day at Wilmere Lane.

Steve McCormack’s side, without a fixture following their Northern Rail Cup quarter-final defeat by Celtic Crusaders, instead spent a morning under the watchful eyes of sports coach Chris Whiteley.

The former Salford, Barrow and London Broncos player had the Vikings taking part in a variety of team-building and problem-solving activities, including water slides and tug of war.

Head coach Steve McCormack was delighted to get the opportunity to hold the training session with a difference.

McCormack said: “The lads did an intense week of rugbyrelated training and so it was nice to do a bit of a different session and to bring in a new face.

“The sessions were lighthearted and it wasn’t just the players but all of the backroom staff that were involved as we want everybody at the club pulling in one direction.”

McCormack was quick to point out Friday’s sessions had been planned all season and did not come after the club’s recent run of poor results.

He added: “We’ve been planning a club day like this all season as we are all playing a part in what we are trying to achieve.

“We’ve not had many free weekends so not getting through to the semis gave us an opportunity to do so.”

The Vikings boss now hopes to see some instant evidence of the usefulness of the sessions during tonight’s crunch clash with Salford City Reds.

“We think we got a lot out of the sessions but I guess we will soon find out on Thursday,” he said.

“Also we’ve had a couple more knocks and niggles lately so having a free weekend has given them all an extra couple of days to rest.”