Widnes Vikings: Head coach Paul Cullen takes confidence from improvement against Whitehaven at Recreation Ground

May 14 2009 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

VIKINGS’ head coach Paul Cullen was pleased with elements of his side’s performance against former club Whitehaven- but admits that there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Cullen had called for greater determination from his troops which he certainly got, but yet another display of sloppy defending and ill discipline cost them dearly in a 26-22 defeat at the Recreation Ground.

Cullen said: “Going through the Whitehaven line untouched on four occasions takes some doing.

“We were generally good in defence and all of their tries came from kicking over the top and going round the outside as they couldn’t break through our line.

“So we take confidence from coming back with one point as we are still improving.”

With the scores locked at 22 each, both sides tried and failed to steal the points with drop goal attempts.

However, Whitehaven centre John Patrick’s late touchdown rendered a James Webster hat-trick and Stephen Bannister’s second try in as many games mere consolation for Widnes.

The home side had led 12-8 at the break, courtesy of two converted tries from 18-year-old starlet Gregg McNally.

Vikings fought back courageously to level the scores before Patrick went over to confirm a memorable Haven victory.