Ah Van wants solid finish to season

Widnes winger Patrick Ah Van has urged his teammates to put in solid performances in their final two games of the season.

The Vikings have endured a tricky first season back in Super League as they lie joint bottom of the table with London Broncos and Castleford Tigers.

However, their position in the league does not paint a full picture of their league campaign. 

Since June, Denis Betts side have shown a vast improvement in their performances on the pitch, picking up impressive wins against Hull, Castleford and Salford in particular whilst cutting out basic errors which have lead to high scoring defeats.

Ah Van said: “Given our slow start it was always going to be difficult to make up ground and reduce the point’s difference enough to affect our position in the table, instead I believe it’s important that we focus on putting in solid performances in the remaining games.

“It was just always going to take patience and time for so many new players to come together and start working as a team.

“I think now that we’re familiar with each other’s style of play, we’ve got our confidence and things are looking good for 2013.

“The club signed well during the transfer window, with a good mix of experienced, overseas and young local talent.”

Unknown to the former Te Atatu Rooster, he was recently recognised on the Super League Show by fellow Viking Rhys Hanbury as one of the key men for the Vikings despite only signing for them at the start of this season.

He said: “I didn’t actually know that! It’s always flattering for your hardwork and effort to be recognised, and I believe it’s even more so when it comes from your teammates. 

“The nature of being a winger and goal kicker is scoring points and I guess sometimes performances are judged on how many you score, but I believe I’m 1 of 17- as long as I contribute week-in-week-out to the team, I’m a happy man.”

The Kiwi missed their last game through injury, a 42-16 victory over Hull FC and will hope to be in contention for their final league games against Wakefield and Warrington.