Ahead of Sunday’s visit of Whitehaven in Round 7 of the Betfred Championship campaign, we take a closer look at this weekend’s opponents.
FORM GUIDE
Whitehaven head to the DCBL Stadium off the back of a 66-0 defeat at home to Toulouse Olympique, as they were unable to build on their 36-4 victory away to Oldham a week earlier.
Haven’s only other win of the campaign came in round 2 of the season, defeating Newcastle at home 29-20, with Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers and Bradford Bulls all getting the better of the Cumbrian outfit.
After picking up two victories from six outings, Haven sit 10th in the league table just one-point above the Vikings heading into this fixture.
VIKINGS CONNECTIONS
Liam Cooper will line up against his former club for the second time this season, having featured against Widnes in the Challenge Cup tie between the two clubs earlier this year.
The second rower signed with the Vikings ahead of the 2020 season, scoring in a pre-season friendly away to Rochdale Hornets before picking up an ankle injury. With the campaign cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Cooper left Widnes without making his competitive debut and made the switch to Whitehaven.
ONES TO WATCH
Halfback Nikau Williams impressed in the last meeting between these two sides back in March, and has been a key figure for Haven so far this season.
Jessie-Joe Parker is a strong running centre who can cause problems for most defences, and his performances in a Whitehaven shirt over the years have earned him fan-favourite status.
Hooker Callum Phillips is another player to watch, after making his return to action from a four-game suspension a couple of weeks ago with a four-try display against Oldham.
HEAD TO HEAD
These two sides last met in the second round of the Betfred Challenge Cup back in March, with the Vikings booking their place in the 1895 Cup semi-final with a 34-10 victory.
It was a memorable afternoon for Will Tilleke, who scored on his home debut for the club, as well as Lewis Else who picked up a brace to grab his first senior tries. Ste Tyrer, Danny Craven and Jack Owens were also on the scoresheet for the home side.
Widnes have won all of their last 13 home meetings with Haven, and will be looking to extend that run when they make the trip from Cumbria on Sunday. Of the last 10 fixtures between the two clubs, the Vikings have won eight and lost just twice, with the last defeat coming back in 2009.
TICKET INFO
Vikings Season Ticket holders are able to book their seat for the return of fans this Sunday, with our online booking system live for the next three home fixtures.
Supporters will only need the email address used to book their Season Ticket in order to access the online system, or they can visit us in-store on Saturday at the Stadium Shop. The Stadium Shop is located at the top of the South Stand car park and will be open 10am-4pm.
Unfortunately, supporters will not be able to purchase tickets for this fixture, and booking for ST holders must be made in advance. We are also unable to accommodate away supporters.
For further details on how to book your seat, click the button below.
STREAM INFO
All home Season Ticket holders will gain free access to this Sunday’s fixture on Our League if they are unable to attend in person, with the code they have already redeemed being valid and giving automatic access.
Non-Season Ticket holders can purchase the stream for £4.95 if bought in advance of the fixture, with streaming passes increased to £10 on the day of the game.
