Skip to content

Super League: Denis Betts unruffled by defeat for playoff-bound Widnes Vikings

Denis Betts, Widnes coach, is delighted that Tom Gilmore has signed a two-year deal with the Vikings
Image: Denis Betts: Expects better from Widnes in playoffs

Widnes boss Denis Betts was not too concerned despite his side conceding six tries in a 36-6 defeat at Salford.

The Red Devils brought the curtain down on a disappointing season with a slick show against the under-strength Vikings.

Widnes, with an eye on next week's playoffs, rested skipper Jon Clarke, Kevin Brown, Eamon O'Carroll, Danny Tickle and Rhys Hanbury, who had scored a try in all three victories against the Red Devils this season.

Junior Sau scored two tries for Salford with Josh Griffin notching 16 points with a touchdown and six goals from six attempts as Widnes were comprehensively beaten at the AJ Bell stadium.

However, Betts said: "I'm not too concerned because we rested a few players and looked rusty and a bit disjointed.

"Salford were more aggressive and we know we have to apply ourselves next week. Our standards have to be there.

"We conceded two tries to two fantastic bombs to go down 12-0 but after that I thought it was pretty even.

More from Super League 2014, Round 27

"We lost Stefan Marsh with a calf injury but hopefully it isn't a tear. We were able to give some youngsters a run and Tom Gilmore hadn't played for a while and got through 80 minutes."

Transition

Salford boss Iestyn Harris was pleased to see his side sign off with a win, even if they were unable to claim a play-off spot.

He said: "We didn't get out of the season what we wanted and that was to make the top eight.

"But it was important to finish on our terms and we did that and defended exceptionally well.

"We will now go into the pre-season on the front foot and I'm really looking forward to it.

"It's been a slow process and a big transition with a lot of new players at the start and six or seven have left during the year for various reasons."

Harris, who took over from Brian Noble in April, added: "We have a new system, new structure and new philosophy and the players have had to deal with it.

"We showed when we get it right we can be a very good side."

Harris also paid tribute to Rangi Chase who scored a try and created three others, saying: "When I arrived people said Rangi could not play in a structure but he showed he can and I can't speak highly enough about him."

Around Sky