Vikings’ French test in Championship opener

Dec 1 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES Vikings kick off their competitive 2009 campaign with a trip to Barrow in the Northern Rail Cup.

The competition will also see Widnes make the trip to Blackpool while playing host to Oldham and Gateshead Thunder in the group stage.

Steve McCormack’s men will also begin their Carnegie Challenge Cup assault on March 8 while the Co-operative Championship begins on Saturday March 14 as Widnes entertain newcomers Toulouse Olympique XIII.

The much anticipated trip to Toulouse will take place on Saturday, July 25.

The club has lined up four pre-season warm up matches, starting with a trip to the GPW Recruitment Stadium on December 27 to face St Helens.

FIXTURES

*Subject to change as Sky Television will broadcast chosen games on Thursday evenings. All games in Co-operative Championship unless stated.

DECEMBER

27 St Helens A, Friendly, 3pm

JANUARY

18 Whitehaven H, Friendly, 3pm; 27 Salford City Reds H, Friendly, 7.30pm

FEBRUARY

1 TBA H, Friendly 3pm; 8 Barrow A, Northern Rail Cup, 2pm; 13 Oldham H, Northern Rail Cup, 8pm; 21 Gateshead Thunder H, Northern Rail Cup, 6pm

MARCH

1 Blackpool A, Northern Rail Cup 3pm; 8 TBC, Challenge Cup H 3pm; 14 Toulouse H, 6pm; 22 Halifax A, 3pm.

28 Sheffield Eagles H, 6pm

APRIL

10 Leigh Centurions H, 3pm; 13 Doncaster A, 3pm;

17 Batley Bulldogs H, 7:30pm; 26 Sheffield Eagles A, 4pm.

MAY

1 Barrow H, 8pm; 10 Whitehaven A, 3pm; 17 Leigh Centurions A, 3pm; 23 Gateshead Thunder H, 6pm;

31 Batley Bulldogs A, 3pm.

JUNE

13 Featherstone Rovers H, 6pm.

JULY

4 Doncaster H, 6pm. 19 Gateshead Thunder A, 3pm; 25 Toulouse A, 8pm; 31 Halifax H, 8pm.

AUGUST

9 Featherstone Rovers A, 3pm; 15 Barrow A, 6.30pm;

22 Whitehaven H, 6pm.