Up the Vikings | Issue #7 | May 2020

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CONTENTS Welcome 03

Email us at: wisslevents_rl@yahoo.com Follow us on: @wisslrl @wissl_rl @wissl_rl

Design by:

Tributes to Liz Hindley

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Steve Roberts

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MacGraff’s Neighbourhood Watch

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Coach’s Corner

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The Greatest Widnes Shirts of All Time

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Matt Whitley: The French Connection

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Reserves & Academy

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Mick Nanyn: Point Scorer Supreme

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Quiz 24 Corporate sponsors:

LDRL Update: Meet Scott Riley

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WISSL Party

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Investing in Youth

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My First Game: Sean McCarthy

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Women’s Team News

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WELCOME

Ann Lee WISSL Chair

It is a privilege to write the welcome for this special edition of our fanzine.

Not only is it our first (or only!) foray into the digital world, but it is our tribute edition to Liz Hindley.

There have been many wonderful things said about Liz. Words like loyal, loved, brave, courageous, supportive – all of which are true, but let me add my own. Fierce warrior. When I first met Liz, at the start of the WISSL revival, my first impression was that she was a little scary! As I got to know her more, I appreciated her for the woman she was; a fighter. She fought for her club, her supporter’s society, the family she loves so much, and for her life, which she lived to the full.

Here’s to you Liz, the original Spice Girl, I hope we do you proud.

As well as the passing of Liz, we also have a change of Chair, as Stephen Oultram has finally decided after many years of putting WISSL left, right and centre, its time he put himself first. Enjoy your time out Stephen you’ve earned it.

I am happy to be taking the reins of Acting Chair going forward, at least up to the AGM. This is certainly a season with a difference, mainly because up to now we have barely had one. We are in very strange times, and we currently don’t know whether we are going to have a season this year or not. However, one thing we know for sure, is that we do still have our Vikings. We are assured the club is safe which is of course a relief, especially after the bumpy ride last season but sadly the anticipated fun of the Summer Bash, and the Black and White exodus to Toulouse will have to stay in our imagination for another year.

When things settle down, and the players can take to the field in front of their supporters, you can be sure that WISSL members will be on hand to help out on match days, selling Golden Gambles along with our fanzines, and as always we are happy for anyone who wants to join us. For memberships and match day help, please email: wisslevents_rl@yahoo.com In the meantime, thank you for purchasing this special copy of the Fanzine. As you’re not sat in the stands, make yourself a brew, put your feet up and enjoy the read in the comfort of your armchair. We hope you enjoy it.

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Tributes to

LIZ HINDLEY

Widnes Vikings are devastated to hear the news of the passing of supporter Liz Hindley.

Liz was a founder of club supporter group, WISSL, and had been instrumental in bringing the group forward to where it stands today. Liz had been operating on the board in the role of Secretary at the time of her passing.

During administration in 2019, Liz was one of a number of people who stepped forward to help save the club from liquidation. Liz, and her colleagues from WISSL, handed over a cheque of ÂŁ6,000 to take the total at the time to over ÂŁ100,000.

In addition to this, at the 2019 Championship & League One awards night, Liz was named the FSA Community Champion of the Year. The award was in recognition of her commitment and dedication to supporter engagement, not only for Widnes Vikings, but nationally through her role on the Supporters Direct Rugby League National Council.

Despite her battles with her health in recent times, Liz was determined to continue showing support to her beloved club. This would range from continuing her role with WISSL, to simply turning up on match days to support the Vikings, to even helping out with pre-match activities such as selling Golden Gambles to supporters on the concourse.

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Liz has also supported the club in recent times through player sponsorship at first team level through Musical Allsorts, sponsoring Chris Dean, Owen Farnworth Joe Lyons & MacGraff Leuluai over the 2019 and 2020 season. Liz has also sponsored players in the first team in years gone by through The Learning Curve also, as well as taking up match sponsorship also.

Phil Finney, Chief Executive at Widnes Vikings, says: “We are devastated to learn of the news of Liz’s passing this morning.

“Liz has been a supporter of our club for decades, and the club today has truly lost one of its most dedicated and passionate fans.

“Being involved with WISSL, Liz has been instrumental in raising money and helping to support the club’s goals both on and off the field.

“During our hour of need in 2019, Liz stepped forward to help without hesitation, raising thousands of pounds with WISSL to help us towards our target. Words cannot express our gratitude and thanks to Liz. “Liz was a selfless individual who always put her love of Widnes Vikings above most things, and the club will never forget Liz’s outstanding contribution to her club.”

The thoughts of everyone at Widnes Vikings are with Liz’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

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The FSA are saddened to learn of the passing of Liz Hindley from cancer, aged 63, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Liz was a long-serving Supporters Direct activist – SD and the FSF merged to form the FSA in 2019 – and offered regular advice and support to new members to the rugby league fraternity.

She was always on hand to help guide supporters and develop the network and will be sorely missed by FSA staff and volunteers who worked alongside her.

A passionate Widnes Vikings supporter, Liz was one of the founder members of Widnes Independent Supporters Society and served as society secretary for fifteen years.

Liz was responsible for writing a number of successful funding bids and used these to help establish many fantastic community initiatives.

These included a healthy lifestyles promotion across all the primary schools in Halton Borough delivered in conjunction with Widnes Vikings community team, the establishment of a women’s rugby league team within Liverpool University, and setting up a wheelchair tag rugby league team named ‘Mersey Storm’.

Liz went on to serve a term on the SD board, bringing her infectious passion and professionalism to the very top of the organisation.

In 2019 Liz was awarded the Community Champion Award at the RFL League One and Championship gala dinner – where her contributions to the game were celebrated in front of a star-studded crowd.

Sadly, Liz’s husband Stephen passed away in 2018. Liz leaves behind daughter Becky and two grandchildren, whom she doted upon and adored.

A pioneer of the supporters trust movement in rugby league and a tireless advocate for community engagement and participation in sport, her legacy and memory will live on in the community initiatives that she championed.

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It is such awful news regarding Liz Hindley.

She was a massive part of the club and I was privileged to have her as my sponsor, she will be greatly missed by all.

JOE LYONS

A magnificent woman and a great friend to all.

I send my greatest condolences to Liz’s family at this sad time.

Although I only met Liz a handful of times, I immediately learned what great things she did for our club and the community. Not to mention how lovely and kind she was to me.

LEWIS ELSE

I was fortunate enough to have WISSL as my sponsor this year and she was part of that great team, for that I am grateful.

I would like to pass on my thoughts and prayers to her friends and family at this difficult time. Liz was a lifelong supporter of the Widnes Vikings and she will be greatly missed.

I only met Liz a few times but every time I met her she was so kind and lovely to me. I was fortunate enough to have her as a sponsor this year and will be forever grateful for that.

MACGRAFF LEULUAI

I wish to pass on my condolences to her family, friends and everyone down at Musical Allsorts. She was a lifetime supporter of Widnes and she will be greatly missed.

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Steve Roberts BBC Radio Merseyside

LIZ HINDLEY: ONE OF A KIND If I were to ask you what sort of attributes and skills you would posses if you were to be considered part of the fabric that tells the story of Widnes Rugby League Club – what would you say?

Tenacious? Brave? Loyal? To name just three perhaps.

she had fought with such tenacity and braveness.

Lots of people would fall into one or all of those categories. so lets add another – loved and admired by everyone who knew them !

Each of us will have our own memories of Liz, as a family member, a friend, a fellow supporter. I fall into the last two categories, but I’d like to add another.

Like you, I could think of a good number players, staff and administrators who fit the bill.

But I wish to include a supporter who fits the bill completely. It’s Liz Hindley.

Like most people, it came as great shock to me that Liz had lost her battle with that wretched illness that 10

Over the years, Liz has been a regular guest on my TRY TIME programme on BBC Radio Merseyside.

She always offered an insightful and passionate contribution to discussions – often as the lone female in blokey environment.

Although her passion for the Vikings always shone through, she always had a balanced view on the sport itself and was a joy to have in the studio.

When the programme was over, our conversations would quickly turn to the issues of the day, her family and her work – the other passions in her life.

In the studio, or out of it. At the match or down the town. Whenever and wherever I met Liz, I would be greeted with that infectious smile that never seemed to leave her face.

No one clapped and cheered more than me when I was privileged to be in Manchester last year when the sport she loved gave her an award for the contribution she has made as a supporter.

Like a lot of people, I feel sad that Liz Hindley will no longer be able to follow her beloved Vikings. However, for me personally, her smile will always be part of the fabric of Widnes Vikings Rugby League Club.

RIP Liz. 11

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Speaking of your incredibly entertaining Neighbourhood Watch programme, and the blossoming relationship with Angry Lady White Car (ALWC), please tell us more? Are you any closer to finding out the mystery lady’s name?

MACGRAFF LEULUAI Anne-Marie Newall caught up (digitally) with MacGraff to find out how he is getting on during lockdown and if we can have an exclusive on the Angry Lady White Car as we’re all gripped! As Cilla would say “Do I need to buy a new hat?”

How are you finding the lockdown situation?

Lockdown for me isn’t the worst thing to happen. There’s a lot of people out there in worse positions than me and I am just grateful for all the essential workers and NHS staff that are keeping this country running.

What has been the biggest struggle you have faced with the isolation situation?

The biggest struggles for me are to not eat so much, and to still train when it’s cold and wet, haha! I also struggle with making sure people listen to government guidelines and stick to one form of exercise a day!

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I’m glad Neighbourhood Watch is keeping people entertained, it really keeps me going as people interact with it and I have people to talk to, haha! Of course, it also keeps my estate safe!

No luck with finding ALWC’s name yet but, yeah, she is quite well known around the town. A few people have asked me about her when I’ve been out shopping, haha! She doesn’t give me much really but I’m sure I’ll wear her down and she will eventually give me a name. A few people seem to think something romantic could come from it ... who knows.

Are you still in touch with the rest of the squad? How are you all keeping morale high?

Yeah, we have a team WhatsApp group so we all still keep in touch through that. Everyone is itching to get back out on the field now, or even just train together. It is getting a li’l tough as the weeks go on but just checking in on each other and getting out and being active keeps morale high.

Follow the ALWC saga on Instagram: instagram.com/mleuluai/

Coach’s Corner

TIM SHEENS Anne-Marie Newall had a quick catch up with head coach Tim Sheens, obeying the social distancing rules, it was done by telephone. The conversation focused heavily on the unprecedented times that we are all currently facing.

Personally for me, I am staying at home with my wife going out once per day for exercise, following the guidance.

The players are currently furloughed.

Before we closed down the lads borrowed weights and things from the gym so they can train at home.

We are concerned for the players

welfare, and checking that they are physically and mentally well. We have all kept in touch on social media and our club’s welfare officer is available for support. The majority of the players are at home with their families, although there are one or two who are alone who we are checking in with more regularly.

The lads are anxious to get back to full training, but that isn’t happening at the moment. We are anticipating that training could possibly begin again in June, we just need to be patient and wait for the RFL and government to give further advice.

It is out of my hands.

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THE TEN GREATEST WIDNES SHIRTS OF ALL TIME* *According to me Martin O’Neill from Mondays Design runs a critical eye over the Widnes playing shirts of the past 145 years and picks out his favourites.

So, I’m acutely aware that this is a potentially contentious article. Even more so than a ‘Greatest Ever Player’ or a ‘Greatest Ever Team’ feature, as those debates can be backed up with facts and figures. What follows is purely opinion. And you probably have your own.

I will, however, briefly outline my thought process. I’ve tried to apply my critical design head, rather than let nostalgia colour my judgement. I’m looking at the aesthetic merits of the shirts, not the successes of the teams that wore them. That said, if the shirt was worn on a notable occasion, I’ve used that as the date reference, rather than the entire period of time the shirt may have been worn for. Believe it or not, some shirts were actually worn on more than one notable occasion!

Seems crazy now, I know. If that’s the case, I’ve just referenced one, pretty much arbitrarily. The same goes for my selection of who ‘wore it well’ – there may have been many. Then again, there may have been very few!

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I’ve considered sponsor logos to be part of the design, which has seen some otherwise fine shirts discarded on the basis that they’ve been spoiled by garish partner branding (I’m looking at you, ‘Liverpool European Capital of Culture’), or just by a weird arrangement of logos (Kooga-era shirts 2004-2005).

Finally, I think the shirt designs of the last few years have generally been very good. But it’s too soon to start talking about them among the classics. The most recent shirt here is from 2015, so we’ll say that year was the cut-off.

I hope you enjoy reading and that this article provokes some healthy debate! Feel free to give me a follow on Twitter: @martinodesign (even if it’s just to tell me that I’m wrong!)

#10

1994-95 HOME Immediate proof that I’m judging shirts over success, the 10th Greatest Widnes Shirt of All Time™ comes from the inauspicious ‘94-’95 season.

The glory days were over, the club was skint, and big name Umbro had been replaced by less-glamorous Matchwinner. But boy, did they deliver with a clean, all black number. It’s a colourway that has been revisited a number of times since (including this year’s ‘blackout’ kit), and you generally can’t go too far wrong with an all black Widnes kit. This was the original though, and pretty much the only positive thing to come from that season.

Who wore it well?

Karle Hammond – managed 19 tries in a season where Widnes struggled.

#9

1975 CHALLENGE CUP FINAL HOME

WIDNES RLFC WEMBLEY 1975

From all black to all white. The 1975 Challenge Cup Final shirt is simplicity itself. A plain white shirt, the town crest, and a super-70s Bukta logo – lovely stuff. The shirt was worn with black shorts and white socks with a black band at Wembley. But black and white striped socks had been used with this kit earlier, which I think looked better. Widnes stuck with plain white shirts through the remainder of the 70s and 80s with black and white hoops only returning in 1993. Thus leading to the ongoing debate as to what constitutes the ‘classic’ Widnes look – plain white or hoops?

Who wore it well?

Big Jim bagging a try at Wembley.

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#8

1997 HOME

WIDNES

RUGBY LEAGUE

Continuing with a theme that the mid to late 90s was a dark time for rugby but a decent era for kits – here’s the ‘97 Le Coq Sportif home shirt. In a weird way, I think this actually looks better now than it did at the time.

It’s aged well! It does a better job of vertical stripes than most of the later Magic Weekend ‘Newcastle’ shirts and the LCS branding means it wouldn’t look out of place in a Topman retro range. It looks like a football shirt, sure.

But what a football shirt!

Who wore it well?

A young lad named Sean Long looked promising that year. Don’t think he really went on to do much in the game though...

#7

2015 AWAY

ELECTROD UK

Another predominantly black design, but this time an away shirt. The counterpart to a largely forgettable white and grey/black/green V-bedecked home shirt. I’ve always thought having a white home kit and black away kit would be impractical (when facing teams like Hull FC, for example). But Widnes seem to have gotten away with it on a few occasions. This shirt does a great job of managing to look both classic and modern at the same time, with some nice, subtle detail. It also just about manages to absorb the plethora of sponsors that are obligatory in the modern era.

Who wore it well?

Joe Mellor and Pat Ah Van both got hat-tricks in this shirt away at Bradford in the ‘Super8s’ playoffs.

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#6

2013 HOME Strictly speaking, this was one of two ‘home’ kits produced by O’Neills for the 2013 campaign. The other was literally the reverse of this (black ‘V’ on a white shirt) which was also quality. There was then a third ‘away’ shirt which was a multi-coloured monstrosity that looked like a football ‘keepers jersey that even Jorge Campos might have rejected as being ‘a bit much’. Some might say the white version of this shirt is ‘more Widnes’ and this looks like a New Zealand international jersey. I wouldn’t disagree, but for me the black just looks cooler.

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Who wore it well?

A teenage Jack Owen – scoring 12 points for a 12-man Vikings in a 16-6 away win at Wire.

#5

1992 REGAL TROPHY FINAL HOME umbro WIDNES RLFC

1996 is widely accepted as the beginning of the modern era for Rugby League in this country but I think this 1991-92 jersey signals the beginning of the modern era for Widnes shirts. Lightweight, synthetic fabric replaced heavy cotton. The first use of a ‘V’, a feature which has been revisited in several designs since. Also, the first use of red, which I think we can say has since become the unofficial third colour in the Widnes palette. If this shirt signals the beginning of one era, it also signals the end of another. The 1992 Regal Trophy was the last time Widnes won a top flight competition.

Who wore it well?

Jiffy – a try, 3 goals and a drop goal in a 24-0 win in the final against Leeds.

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#4

1983 PREMIERSHIP FINAL AWAY Wait, the 4th Greatest Widnes Shirt of All Time™ is a red one?! Well, I mean, yeah. Look at it! This one has the feel of a rare collectors item. Of course, a lot of the shirts listed here are. But this one especially. ‘Away’ shirts weren’t just worn for no apparent reason in the 80s as they are these days (to sell replicas). In fact, I don’t think replica shirts were even much of a thing. So, if you’ve got one of these, I think it would have to be player-worn. But hang on, wasn’t there also a home version of this shirt? Well, read on...

Who wore it well?

Tony Myler – a man of the match masterclass in the 22-10 win over Hull.

#3

1964 CHALLENGE CUP FINAL HOME Although it’s only made number 3 on the list, for me, this is the quintessential Widnes jersey. There are, of course, earlier iterations of the famous black and white hoops, including the 1930 ‘12 locals and a South African’ cup final jersey. But this one, with the town crest, is surely the ‘classic’. As I mentioned earlier, there’s an ongoing debate as to whether plain white or black and white hoops should constitute the default template for Widnes jerseys.

Me, I’m sitting on the Naughton Park wall on this one, with no preference either way. I’d be happy to have the hoops every other year, though.

Who wore it well?

The greats – Frank Myler scoring a try and Vince Karalius lifting the trophy.

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#2

1989 WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE HOME

umbro WIDNES RLFC

Ok, so I said I wasn’t going to let my heart rule my head. But, in truth, this one is probably elevated two or three places by virtue of the fact it was worn in one of the greatest periods in the club’s history. On a personal level, this is the earliest Widnes shirt I remember watching the team in.

Worn by Offiah, Davies, the Hulmes, King Kurt, Tony Myler… It ruined me for life to be honest! It would never be that good again, would it? It stands up on it’s own merits, though. A clean, unfussy design. Just the one, classic sponsor – ICI. It’s almost the perfect Widnes shirt. Almost…

Who wore it well?

Who didn’t?!

#1

1981 CHALLENGE CUP FINAL HOME So, here it is, The Greatest Widnes Shirt of All Time™: The 1981 Challenge Cup Final shirt. The town crest, the Adidas Originals logo, the 3 stripes… and nothing else! It’s flawless. There were later versions with sponsors Stanley Leisure and ICI, but the purist in me has to go with the ‘81 edition, unencumbered with additional logos.

There were also earlier iterations in the 70s with full length sleeves and a collar, and the ‘79 cup final shirt, where the 3 stripes only ran up the arm but stopped at the shoulder. This is the one though, isn’t it..?

Who wore it well?

Lance Todd trophy winner Mick Burke, with a try and 4 goals in an 18-9 win over Hull KR. 19

THE FRENCH CONNECTION the other coaches in the last year and a bit since being over here, and I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here in the south of France.

Describe Israel Folau as a player in three words?

Athletic. Very skilful.

Going back to when you first signed for the Dragons, what drew you to them as a club how did they sell their project to you?

Matt Whitley burst onto the scene with Widnes as a nineteen-year-old in 2015. He went on to make 100 appearances for the Vikings before joining Catalans in 2018. Joshua Worrall caught up with the secondrow forward to ask how he’s finding life in the south of France and if the lockdown is starting to Drag-on a bit now..?!

First of all, as an athlete, how are you coping with lockdown?

I’m going out for runs and doing some home workouts. Even managed to watch a couple of the Chapelhow twins live workout streams, which was fun. I’ve managed to get some weights so I’ve got a good little set up in my garage.

What is the environment like over in France - and what’s Ste McNamara like as a coach?

It’s pretty good over here to be honest, Josh. The lads are great and the way of life is pretty good too! Ste is a great coach, I’ve learnt a lot from him and 20

The club had just won the Challenge Cup the previous season. I met with Ste and he was telling me about his plans and where he sees the club, and it was exciting. I think we’ve got a great team here and we’re looking forward to getting back on the pitch and showing what we can do. There was the added bonus that it’s based in the south of France and I thought it was a great opportunity for me and my family to go and experience something new and different.

What’s the most outstanding memory from your time with the Vikings?

I’ve got a lot of good memories from my time at Widnes. Being there from 16-22, I managed to meet a lot of good people, I still keep in touch with some of them now which is good. I’ll always remember my debut against Warrington at home, where we won.

That for me was one of the highlights.

Another was when we beat Wigan away, when we went down to 11 men at one point and still managed to win.

Ryan O’Brien

RESERVES & ACADEMY The Reserves have endured a challenging start to the season. The opening game saw us convincingly beaten by a strong Wigan team consisting of players with vast Super League and even NRL experience.

However, there was no lack of effort from the players and the experience will stand them in good stead. Three competitive games followed - a win against Castleford, tight loss to Hull FC in the tough conditions of storm Dennis, and a loss to Wakefield. The last game was another tough test against a Warrington side full of Super League experience. Again, despite the scoreline, the players gave a good account of themselves with regards to their attitude and commitment.

From an Academy perspective, it has been pleasing to see a number of eligible players already make the step up the Reserve grade as well as Daniel Hill and Jacob Dugdale being selected for the England Academy Performance Squad. The opening fixture for the Academy away to Huddersfield was unfortunately postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The following fixture against Warrington was extremely disappointing in terms of our performance. Collectively, we didn’t give a good account of ourselves and made far too many unforced errors which ultimately lead to a 32-10 defeat. On a positive note, there were some strong individual performances - notably from Daniel Hill, Jacob Dugdale and James Whalley.

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Mick Nanyn

POINT SCORER SUPREME Mick Nanyn broke the club record for points in a season in his first year with the Vikings in 2006. And then promptly did it again in his second, racking up an unbelievable 808 points in total of 55 games.

How long after that did it take before you realised you had a talent for kicking the goals?

Ann Lee spoke to Mick about his recordbreaking spell with Widnes and what he got up to afterwards.

I always loved kicking a ball as a kid.

I love football and played lots when I was younger at a decent standard so I suppose that helped. I just always had a good hand eye coordination and could kick a ball. My favourite players growing up where goal kickers Michael O’Connor and Franco Botica.

As a junior I always kicked goals and would go and practice on my own.

When I signed for Swinton I kicked goals in the Academy and the old A team reasonably well, so when I got into the first team I was happy to kick goals when needed until I was first choice kicker. I did plenty of practice and always had a bag full of balls in the boot of my car.

You started your playing career at Swinton Lions at the age of 16. Was it always your intention to follow in your father’s footsteps?

How did it feel joining Widnes from Whitehaven, and what was your first day at your new job like? How did the experience here compare to the other teams you had played for?

Yes it was. Rugby was a major part of my life growing up, we used to go watching my Dad play every weekend with my Mum. I have a younger brother so we would just play rugby all the time. Knocking lumps out of each other most of the time. We would watch any rugby on TV and I even remember renting out the Australian rugby videos from the video shop when I was younger. So I suppose you could say rugby is in the blood.

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When Steve McCormack spoke to me about signing and going full time it was a massive move for me. I had two great seasons at Whitehaven and enjoyed my time there, but to move to one of the biggest clubs in the game was an amazing opportunity for me.

The chance to be a full time Rugby League player was a dream come true.

I remember the first day being tough as it was the start of pre season. We trained at David Lloyds Speke and I

travelled over with Bob Beswick and James Coyle. It was a 6am start so that was a shock to the system! There was just a different feel about being at Widnes; an expectation that wasn’t at the clubs I had been at before. We were the favourites to get promoted but didn’t quite get the job done which was a real shame. I enjoyed being a pro player, it was totally different to working or studying then training at night.

The Widnes players have a close team mentality on and off the pitch, but did you form a bond with any particular player, or did anyone take you under their wing?

What was your most memorable match for Widnes, and where would it rank in your career highlights, as you have of course enjoyed international honours for Scotland which must be at the top?

I would probably say winning the Northern Rail final at Blackpool against Whitehaven. It’s always nice to beat your former club and as it was a final, it was special. We played probably the best we played all year in that first half and was pretty untouchable. It was great to win a trophy for the fans who followed us week in week out even when things didn’t always go to plan.

I was mates with Doddy (Gavin Dodd) before we joined the club as we had toured New Zealand and Australia together on a GB students tour, so we always got on well.

Sadly your time at Widnes ended in 2007 when you were a casualty of the administration and rescue by Steve O’Connor and you moved to Oldham, which is a smaller club with a smaller fanbase. Did you miss the town and the Black and White Army?

You’ve been a prolific point scorer throughout your career and in 2006 you scored 388 points for Widnes. How did it feel taking the crown from Jonathan Davies for the most points scored in a season?

Yes, it was a big change going back to part time rugby. The Oldham fans are a passionate group of fans but they didn’t quite have the following the Vikings did. I also had to drop a division as well which wasn’t ideal but that was one of the only options I had at the time.

I would say Mark Smith was the one who I spent the most time with. We got on well away from rugby and we were training partners in the gym.

It was a massive achievement and something I am really proud of.

Jonathan Davies is a legend of the game and I remember watching him play as a child so to beat his record was amazing. It was one of my aims when I joined the club to be honest, as I knew if I was scoring plenty of points the team would be doing well.

You ended your playing career back where you started, at Swinton, who also had a troubled year in 2019. Did you follow the news of their issues, and our own misfortunes as they unfolded?

Yes I finished off at Swinton in 2015.

The mind wanted to keep going but 23

Quiz

the body wouldn’t allow me. I had a full ACL reconstruction in 2012 which I never really recovered from. I follow all Rugby and always look out for my old clubs’ results or news stories, so it takes me ages as I have had a few clubs. Its always a worry when clubs go into financial difficulties as it’s not just the players who are affected. It affects the community around the club as well. Its so sad when clubs like Widnes and Swinton are having these difficulties as they have such great histories in our great game.

1. Who was Widnes’s leading try scorer last year?

2. How many games did Widnes win away from home in the championship last season?

3. Who was the only team in the Championship to defeat Toronto last season?

4. Who was the man of the match when Widnes beat Leigh in the 1895 cup semi final last year?

What led you onto the path that you have taken since hanging up your boots, as a Wellbeing Officer at Leigh Youth and Community Development Trust, and how did you find the transition to life after rugby league?

At the back end of my career I was part time so I worked in a behavioural school as a sports coordinator for 5 years. Then I was offered the chance to work at Leigh Community Trust who are the community partner of Leigh Centurions. The transition for me was gradual as I was a part time player for the last few years of my career so it wasn’t too bad mixing work and rugby. After I retired I found it more difficult as you no longer have the routine of training at night and then playing at the weekend, that you do as a player and I have missed that as well as the banter in the dressing room with the other players.

We are certainly always grateful to Mick for his time at the Vikings, and we wish him all the very best in everything he does in the future.

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5. Which club did Widnes sign Martin Offiah from?

6. Who plays their home games at the Trailfinders sports ground?

7. Who was Widnes captain in the 1975 challenge cup final victory?

8. Who was the Widnes try scorer in the 1975 challenge cup final?

9. Who won the challenge cup in 1998?

10. Who is the only player to win the Lance Todd trophy 3 times?

Answers on page 33

LDRL UPDATE

Well, what a great first season for you with winning the Player of the Year award?

It was nice to have been selected by my team mates and a big honour to be the first winner.

Who is the player you look up to on the pitch?

I’d have to say John Campbell for this one.

Who is the joker of the team?

Mark Bellfield, he is always cracking jokes and he is the prankster of the team.

Meet...

SCOTT RILEY How did you become interested in the LDRL team?

I saw it on the posters in the market, me and a few friends went along to the first training session.

Are you looking forward to the season starting up again?

Who needs a wardrobe makeover?

Steve Roberts, he thinks he’s a fashion icon.

Who is always on their phone?

David France, he is always on to his girlfriend.

You played at Anfield during the Magic Weekend last year.

What was that like?

It was a amazing experience.

The atmosphere was unbelievable!

The whole day was incredible and well planned.

Yes, really looking forward to it, it’s been a long time since the last game.

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WISSL PARTY 28th February 2020

WISSL held a party to celebrate a very successful first year of the new board of directors. The night was full of fun, laughter and lots of dancing.

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INVESTING IN YOUTH

On a very cold Saturday morning in January, the WISSL board and two lucky members had the privilege of being invited to a ‘behind closed doors’ event at The DCBL Stadium.

This was part of the front of shirt sponsorship package that WISSL had secured in December, following the unanimous vote by members to support the Reserves and Academy.

Helping to secure the progression of young players from the town into professional ranks. “Widnes has always produced good, young rugby players” - Eric Hughes The day started with the party being met by Ryan O’Brien at the north stand entrance and being escorted out to the stands. A training session was just about to start between Widnes Vikings Reserves and Salford Red Devils Reserves. As a group we sat in the stands watching alongside Tim Sheens, backroom staff and first team players. A huge amount of talent was on display from both sides with Joe Edge and Owen Buckley on the field.

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Following on from the game, WISSL were invited to give a short presentation to the Reserve, Academy and Scholarship Squads about who they are and what they do to support the club. This came across well and the lads appeared interested in some of the events that were planned for the future (at least Ryan told them that they were interested).

Ryan O’Brien said of the sponsorship “The Academy is of great importance to the club, producing a number of First Team regulars over the years.

The support of WISSL will help this to continue. Thanks again to everyone involved with WISSL and all the fans who have supported their fundraisers throughout the year, making sponsorship possible.”

The final section of the morning was to go back out onto the pitch while all 3 teams had their photos taken in the new shirts displaying the WISSL logo.

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My First (Away) Game

SEAN’S STORY

This is the third instalment of a regular feature where Widnes fans tell us the story of their first, or most memorable, game. This month, Sean McCarthy heads ‘ower t’hill’ to Dewsbury.

play. I told him I’d never been to an away game before and would love to go sometime.

It was Thursday night, my mate Neil Griffiths was walking his dogs Molly and Meg outside the back of my flat.

I started chatting to him, he told me he was going up to Dewsbury with his wife Tracy on Sunday to watch Widnes

On the Saturday night I walked over to Morrison’s and got some sausage rolls and chocolate bars for our journey.

I met Neil on the Sunday afternoon and told him I’d got a bit to eat for us, he said that’s good as he’d got

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On the Saturday morning I got a text from Neil asking if I’d like to go to Dewsbury with him on Sunday?

Tracy wasn’t feeling very well and she said see if Sean wants to go with you! I was made up and said yes without hesitation.

the most important thing, the liquid refreshments, beer lol.

Alan Rae asked Neil would he do the raffle on the coach, which he did. There were 3 prizes, I was lucky enough to win second prize in the raffle £7, it wasn’t a bad start for my first away game. After travelling for just over a hour we arrived at the Tetleys Stadium.

We had just over a hour before the game kicked off, Neil said we might as well go for a pint. We walked round to the main stand and we went in a bar called Baileys Bar, we had a few beers and a chat with Leeds Rhinos fans who came down to watch Dewsbury when the Rhinos don’t have a game.

We went round to the Dewsbury club shop, the staff were lovely. I got a Dewsbury pen and Neil got a Dewsbury badge, he told me he collects badges, when they play away he always gets one.

It was time to get in the ground, when we walked in there was a big burger van, it just seemed appropriate to get me and Neil a cheeseburger with the money I’d won on the raffle and a good burger it was too.

really bad. Fair play to both sides for having a dig in them conditions, Dewsbury went on to win the game 20-8, deservedly so.

After the game the Widnes players came across to thank the fans for coming down to support them, I was lucky enough to get autographs and a picture taken with Kenny Baker. A good day was had, but not the result I wanted.

On the way home Tracy, Neil’s wife sent me a picture of a very nice looking Sunday Dinner, saying would you like one of these for when you get back home? Obviously I said yes and I laughed to Neil and said it beats having a pot noodle for tea.

My girlfriend Jodie then rang me as we where going down the motorway and asked had I had a good day? To which I replied yeah I had a great time.

I’m just on the way back now on the train, which Neil said “this is a funny looking train”. I think the beers had gone to my head a bit.

We got back to Neil’s and had a coffee and a chat with Tracy, the two dogs Molly and Meg were happy to see me and Neil.

We walked across to the other side where most of the Widnes fans had gathered under the stand, and what a atmosphere it is, much better than home games.

Well, it was time to go and to top it all off, a lovely Sunday Roast to take home. Thank you to Tracy and Neil for my first ever away game.

It was a very hard and physical match in bad conditions, the big Dewsbury forwards adapted much better to the conditions than the smaller Vikings team.

Would you like to feature in our fanzine? Tell us about your first or most memorable game: wisslevents_rl@yahoo.com

The weather in the second half with rain, sleet, snow and hail stones was 31

WOMEN’S TEAM NEWS What first drew you into rugby league?

I have always played, and was shown Rugby League from a very young age, so I never really knew anything different. I was always watching my brother on a weekend thinking I want to play! As soon as I could, I joined Moorfield who then changed to Widnes Vikings girls u14s and my love for the sport just kept on growing from there.

with...

WENDY JOHNSON Sadly, the Women’s Team is also a casualty of the Coronavirus, and their season was halted before they’d got a chance to start the league campaign. We were pleased to be able to extend our support of all levels of the Vikings teams, by sponsoring Wendy Johnson, a long standing member of the women’s squad. We took this opportunity to get to know her a bit better.

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Have you noticed a change in attitude now towards women’s teams in what has always previously been a man’s sport?

I feel like the sport now more than ever is becoming huge in the woman’s game, with the Super League now here and the championships. The TV coverage is getting bigger, fan base, social media coverage.... We never really had that a few years ago, it was just town teams playing against each other. I think that has changed players’ attitudes towards the game as well, it makes them feel like we’re being recognised for the hard work we put in and it’s not all just about the men’s teams.

This is your second season with Widnes after being with a Widnes based team years back.

What’s your best memory and your worst one?

My worst memory, which is a personal one, is being injured last year for such a big part of the season. It’s hard when you want to get on the field and just play, but then my best memory is

playing that last game of the season last year against Leigh and getting the win with the girls. We stuck together, dug deep and supported each other and the feeling when the final whistle went was amazing! I’m sure there will be many more feelings like it in the future.

When you heard you were being sponsored by WISSL for this season, was that a surprise?

Yes, it was a nice surprise haha! I think it’s great. It is much appreciated, and thank you for sponsoring me for the season!

Who takes the most selfies?

I’m probably up there when it comes to my Instagram stories!

Who is on their phone the most?

Andy is always on his phone. He claims he’s busy but I think he’s just trying to ‘look busy’! Who needs a wardrobe makeover? That’s got to be one of the coaches!

Who has the worst try celebration?

I don’t think the players have time to celebrate. Jane will know this; as soon as the players have scored, the whole squad just runs at the them.

We jump on each other, haha, and we celebrate together!

Who is the laziest trainer?

No one, really. We’re not allowed to be lazy!

Who do you think will get the most fines/forfeits this season?

Who wouldn’t you like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

That’s a harsh one, I can’t choose against any of the girls...

Who has the worst play list?

Abby and Sarah take control of the changing room play list, but it’s usually pretty decent!

What are your top 3 searched songs on Spotify?

1. J hus - Did you see 2. Stormzy - Vossi bop 3. Mist - So high We wish Wendy and rest of the team all the best, when they finally get to play some games!

Quiz answers 1. Ryan Ince 2. Five: Toulouse, Rochdale, Barrow, Swinton, Dewsbury 3. Toulouse 4. Danny Craven 5. Rosslyn Park 6. London Broncos 7. Dougie Laughton 8. Jim Mills 9. Sheffield Eagles 10. Sean Long

We haven’t had any so far, you’ll have to check back once the season has started!

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