Victory caps memorable experience – chairman

Jun 20 2008 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

LICENCE hopefuls Widnes Vikings stamped their Super League credentials on the field and off in beating title favourites Salford City Reds in front of a record National League crowd at Stobart Stadium Halton.

Vikings served a timely reminder to RFL bosses of the kind of contribution the club could make if they were awarded a place in the top division for 2009.

The bumper attendance of 8,189 and and a stunning victory over leaders Salford provided a memorable matchday experience which received nationwide TV coverage thanks to Sky Sports.

Vikings won thrillingly 20-18 but for club chairman Steve O’Connor, the victory was just the icing on the cake after a spectacular evening’s entertainment at Stobart Stadium Halton.

He said: “Of course we are delighted to take the points and it was important for the team to get back on track after some disappointing results in recent weeks.

“However, tonight was really about demonstrating to the RFL that Widnes Vikings can attract the sort of crowds demanded by Super League and that we can put on match-day experiences that are equal if not better than many Super League clubs.”

Around 2,000 local school children contributed to the colourful occasion by forming a unique Vikings’ choir in the West Stand.

Fans were treated to a curtainraiser when Year-7 girls from Wade Deacon School took on Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Sports College.

Youngsters from Liverpool Stagecoach Theatre School provided half-time entertainment.

One of the highlights was a spectacular parachute display by the Army’s Red Devils who literally dropped into the stadium at half-time armed with the name of the first £1,000 monthly winner of the Vikings’ Dream Ticket lottery – and a pizza from sponsors Domino’s Pizza.

The lucky winner was Kathy Filkin from Widnes who received her prize on the pitch.

Steve O’Connor added: “Our commercial and community departments have worked amazingly hard to achieve a record-breaking attendance tonight.

“It was fantastic to have all the children present and for many of them it was perhaps their first taste of the unique rugby league atmosphere.

“We hope they will go out and tell their friends what a great night it was and that their parents will bring them back to future games.”