No excuses

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

WIDNES skipper Mark Smith says the Vikings have no excuse for their loss against Celtic Crusaders in South Wales.

The injured hooker claims preparations couldn’t had been better but the Vikings failed to get any continuity and were chasing the game after missing golden opportunities to register points.

He said: “It was a strange performance from us, considering we had had such a great result against Salford. The training throughout the week went well, the food was fine, the travelling arrangements were good but we didn’t perform to the same level as the previous week.

“The players thought the first two tries for them were dubious. But, basically, they completed three sets and scored three tries.

“Our defence wasn’t the best and we just couldn’t get over the line. We had opportunities early on but we couldn’t cross the whitewash.

“Everything we did in the build-up to the game was good but the way we performed wasn’t and Steve (McCormack) will get to the bottom of why that was.”

Smith says the focus has immediately switched to the next game – at home to Batley Bulldogs – on Friday, July 11.

He added: “Batley have pulled off some great results this season and we have to be careful that we are not one of them.

“But as far as we are concerned, it’s all about us and we are capable of beating anyone in the division providing we play to our potential.”

Smith has earmarked the clash at Leigh Centurions on August 3 as his comeback game.

He said: “It will be a cracking game to come back to, providing it clears up in time.

“At the moment, I can’t fully extend my elbow which is preventing me from training fully. The medical staff are being very careful with the injury and I have to be sensible about my body and not come back too soon.

“It’s frustrating sitting on the sidelines as I want to be involved but as soon as I am fully fit I will be back and ready for the remaining games of the season.”

Want to win tickets for the Batley game? We have three pairs to give away, courtesy of National League sponsors The Co-operative.

To have a chance of winning a pair, answer the following question and send your entry to Batley Ticket Competition, 2 Robert Street, Widnes WA8 6LY by 5pm on Monday, July 7 – winners will be notified.

Q: What is the name of Batley’s ground?

Entries flooded in for our competition to win match tickets for the last home game against Salford City Reds.

Many correctly identified Malcolm Alker as the visitors’ club captain.

The winners were Mrs C Brown of Barrows Green Lane, James Clark from Alder Avenue and D Curzon of Farnworth Close, all Widnes.