The Countdown has started for Vikings v Wolves

Friday 31st August 2012

Story in brief:
Grab your tickets TODAY!

The Countdown has started for Vikings v Wolves

On Sunday 9th September, the curtain will come down on the Vikings' eventful debut season back in the Stobart Super League. Near neighbours Warrington Wolves arrive in town having recently claimed another Carnegie Challenge Cup Final victory, but can the Vikings take down the Trophy winners?

Vice-Captain Shaun Briscoe certainly knows a lot about big occasions, having played in a whole host of derbies throughout his career. In the company of Vikings Media Apprentice Joshua Worrall, ‘Brisk' offers his thoughts in the build up to the forthcoming clash.

The Vikings have come up short in the two previous clashes with the Wolves this campaign and Briscoe admits, despite not featuring himself in the games, many lessons have been learnt since; "If you give the likes of Lee Briers, Stefan Ratchford and Brett Hodgson time on the ball and space to manoeuvre, then you'll often pay the price. Having said that, we can't focus on those players alone because they've got quality in every position. Warrington are a great side, but if we play to the level we're capable of, then we can give them a run for their money."

Shaun's position as Vice-Captain means he will have a huge responsibility on his shoulders on derby day. Here, he reveals a little more about his role; "Like any other match I'll just simply tell the players what the game plan is. The fact that it's against Warrington makes no difference. I make sure my teammates all know what role they're going to be playing right from the kick-off, so they will be fully focused on the match."

The Wolves have impressed for much of the Stobart Super League season and recently landed the Challenge Cup trophy. Being a student of the game as well as a player, Shaun identified some individual/collective threats for the Vikings to be wary of come kick-off time; "As a full back myself I've been really impressed with the performances of Brett Hodgson this season. Some of the runs he makes around the back are superb, as is his decision making throughout games. Lee Briers is also dangerous as he often dictates the team around the park. His kicking game is flawless!"

Before a ball was even kicked in 2012, many critics suggested the Stobart Super League new-boys would fail to win a game. But, with the season now drawing to a close, the Vikings number one was only too pleased to offer his thoughts on the teams first season back in the top flight. "We learnt from early on in the season, when we were conceding too many points that you can't give possession away cheaply. Once we started keeping hold of the ball and keeping our discipline, then the results came along. We're hoping to carry that on against Wakefield and then Warrington."

With a wealth of top-flight derby experiences behind him from his time at Wigan, Hull FC and Hull KR, Shaun is well aware of the importance of these derby fixtures; "I'm really looking forward to playing in this game. It's one of the biggest matches of the season, definitely. The lads are excited about it, but we've got to make sure we focus on the Wakefield Trinity game before we start thinking about Warrington."

On a completely different theme, the infamous "Nude Run" at the end of the season was then mentioned. Briscoe himself is safe in the knowledge that he has already registered 4 tries this season, but highlights the fact that some of his team-mates may not be sitting quite as comfortably; "It's a bit of fun whereby if a player doesn't score all season then they have to strip off and run around the pitch. Willie Isa was certainly relieved to finally get his first try against Hull FC, but some of the other lads such as Jon Clarke and Ben Kavanagh are working really hard to make sure they score before the final whistle against either Wakefield or Warrington, or else they will be faced to pay the price!"

Grab your tickets today for the most explosive derby in Stobart Super League and celebrate the achievements of our first season back in the big time.

Let's give Denis and the boys the outstanding send-off they deserve!

Advance tickets for the Wolves clash are now on sale at the Stadium Fitness Sports Store which is open from 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 4.00pm on Saturdays.

Alternatively, call: 0151 422 8383.

Advance standard tickets are priced as follows, with match day standard ticket prices detailed in brackets;

Adult £20 (£22)

Conc £13 (£15)

Jun £11 (£13)

Sunday 9 September 2012

Stobart Super League XVII - Rd. 27

Widnes Vikings v Warrington Wolves (KO - 3.00pm)

The Stobart Stadium