Denis Betts praises resilient Widnes after win over Salford

Widnes coach Denis Betts said he was impressed by his sides resilience and determination in their vital win over Salford.

The Vikings trailed 10-6 against the Red Devils at half time but came up with a clinical and gritty final quarter to seal a fine 24-16 victory at the Halton Stadium on Thursday night.

And Betts was pleased by the effort and desire that the Vikings showed.

Speaking after the game, he said: “We won that game on the fact that we have got some resilience about us.

“We have worked hard to build some resilience in us. Resilience is built on the environment and culture. You work hard to try and install it within the whole environment.

“Salford’s completion rate was really high in the first half and they held some really high field position on us. They could still score a try from when they are five metres in front of the kicker though. The video referee is there for a reason and the linesmen have got to help the referee but it’s just one of those things.

“The way we defended our line was strong and we managed the last 20 minutes very well. We’ve not managed the last 20 minutes well in the last couple of games. We’ve been in strong positions but not finished the last 20 minutes very well, so that was something that we did really well.”

Widnes have won three out of their first seven Super League fixtures, with the points coming against Catalans Dragons, Leeds Rhinos and Salford Red Devils.

Betts said he is satisfied with their start to the season, as they are on course to complete their Easter goal.

He added: “Every win is crucial when you look at the way the table is lining up at the moment.

“We wanted to try and hit Easter with a 50% win record and at the moment, we are three wins from seven. We missed the Wakefield game last weekend (abandoned), but if we go into a massive derby next weekend then we are still on target to achieve what we wanted to achieve when we hit Easter so we are not far off.

“We needed to get the win against Salford and I think it was about us. It wasn’t anything about what Salford did or what happened, I think it was about sticking in the fight and we did that.”

Betts revealed Widnes should be able to welcome a ‘few’ players back from injury over the Easter period.