Vikings must pick themselves up (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Vikings must pick themselves up

10:03am Thursday 22nd July 2010 in

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VIKINGS have to put the disappointment of their shock Northern Rail Cup Final defeat behind them and focus on making the play offs starting with Sunday’s derby clash against Leigh.

The match against one of their major potential Super League licence rivals will test Vikings’ bounce-back-ability.

But assistant coach Stuart Wilkinson believes that the squad can still recover from their dressing down in Blackpool to go on and win the Grand Final.

Wilkinson said: “This is now another great opportunity for us to grow as a team again.

“The irony is, after a game like that, at first you want to chuck them out, but then again the same players could end up winning the Grand Final for us.

“We still believe we can do that – we have got all of our blokes back and we are going to have a really good go between now and the end to develop the team spirit and pick people up and get them ready for Leigh on Sunday.”

Although still in second spot, Ian Millward’s Leigh side have hit something of a wobbly patch since their Northern Rail Cup semi final defeat by Batley.

They have, however, traditionally been tricky opponents for Vikings and beat them 30-16 in May.

But Wilkinson said they just can’t wait for the game – whoever it is against.

“It does not matter that this is a big derby – we have just lost a final and want to put it right.

“I would imagine the players are going to be pretty pent up, but we are going to have to keep a lid on it and keep them calm and focused. We will make sure they channel it right,” Wilkinson said.

Vikings are currently in sixth – just ahead of Toulouse and Batley – but the early season injury crisis appears to be over.

Wilkinson added: “With our A grade squad getting back to fitness – with players like Steve Pickersgill and Gareth Haggerty coming back in is a big bonus for us approaching the play offs.

“It is massive having those two back – so watch out anyone who fancies themselves with a decent pack.

“This team can go anywhere and score 24 points – if we fix up what we leak then we have got a good chance.”

Sunday’s game kicks off at 3pm.