Denis Betts delighted at Stobart Stadium pitch progress

Jan 12 2012 by Our Correspondent, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE Vikings first team squad held their first training session on the Stobart Stadium Halton’s i-pitch this week, much to the delight of head coach Denis Betts.

He explained: “For the past few months there’s been a massive burden on the players as a large percentage of their training has been done off-site on a similar surface in Skelmersdale, which has meant a fair share of travelling.

“So, to now have the i-pitch ready for use is great news for everybody concerned.

“Despite it being fairly overcast this afternoon, there’s a smile on the players’ faces and they all seem really happy in their work environment which is a huge bonus.

“Twelve months ago we were running up huge phone bills, trying to find a pitch to train on because our own stadium was unavailable, but twelve months on there’s not a single puddle or muddy patch in sight and the i-pitch will always look like that, regardless of the weather conditions which will only benefit our training schedule.

“A lot of praise should go to the manufacturers DESSO and the installers J Mallinson (Ormskirk) Ltd for doing such a great job.

“The transformation really is something special and we now have access to a genuine state of the art facility that won’t only prove beneficial to the Vikings but also the community.

“We now urge our members and the people of Halton to come along and support us for our first Super League game.”

That takes place on Friday, February 3, against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (kick off 8pm).