Vikings play it hard but fair on Frontline

Sep 4 2008 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE overturning of prop Jim Gannon’s one-match ban has paid a rich dividend for Widnes Vikings.

For it means they have held off late pressure from Salford City Reds to finish top of the Frontline Fairplay Index in The Co-operative National League One.

Despite leading the Index for most of the year, a fiery clash against Whitehaven on the last day of the regular season almost saw the Vikings pipped.

Originally, it looked as if Widnes had lost the title due to combination of penalties conceded, Michael Ostick’s sending off and Gannon’s suspension after being placed on report for punching.

However on appeal, Gannon’s ban was downgraded to a £100 fine – meaning the Vikings finished the Frontline Fairplay Index on 139 points, just one ahead of Salford.

Widnes head coach, Steve McCormack said: “We’re delighted to have won this award; we pride ourselves on our discipline and look to work with the match officials during the game.

“It’s a hard job for them and we believe that trying to communicate with them during a game helps all our performances and increases the enjoyment for the fans that see a clean, fast-flowing game of rugby league.”

Vikings receive £5,000 worth of bathroom supplies and an engraved trophy from Frontline Bathrooms.