Gilmore unfazed over pre-season defeats

Widnes might have won just one of their three pre-season friendlies to date but halfback Tom Gilmore isn’t worried ahead of the new campaign.

In their most recent encounter the Vikings suffered a 16-0 defeat at the hands of St Helens surrendering the Karalius Cup which they had held for the past two years.

Widnes were beaten by Warrington in December but defeated Championship side Halifax.

“The only blip we had was St Helens and looking back there were a lot of positives to take from that,” Gilmore said.

“Halifax was a solid performance I think it was professional.

“We had a very young side out against Warrington and it’s the best we’ve done in four or five years.”

Last season Widnes made a flying start winning six of their first seven matches but then faltered as the season went on.

Gilmore stressed how consistency is a key focus this time and he also wants to make sure Widnes are a difficult proposition for any team.

“I think the aim we need to be consistent in all areas,” he said.

“Anywhere we go and anyone who comes here we want to make it hard for them and make them not want to come to Widnes Vikings.”

The 22-year old will replaced the departed Kevin Brown in the halves for Widnes this season.

He has also been named as one of the vice-captains in a leadership group of four.

Whilst Gilmore admitted it was satisfying to receive recognition from the rest of his teammates, he doesn’t think the extra pressure will have an effect on his performances.

“I suppose I it was a good moment that all my peers backed me to be in that situation but I don’t think anything changes,” he said.

“Me being a halfback I’ve got to tell people what to do and where to go and that’s happened.”