Betts delighted with win over ‘formidable’ Wigan

Widnes coach Denis Betts is finding it difficult not to be delighted with how his team played to beat Wigan at the DW Stadium last week.

The Vikings turned in a fine performance to win 18-12 over the Warriors, and Betts believes that hard work has paid off for his players.

“It’s pretty tough not to be really enthusiastic about the way we went out and performed,” he said.

“It was a great result, I think it shows the way we’re playing. I think it shows the character in the side that we’ve built up over the years.

“That little bit of hard work and effort has put us into a strong position at the start of this year.”

Betts also feels that the result shows just how much effort his team has put into improving, given how fine Wigan’s record over recent seasons has been.

“You’re always stretching yourself and looking for what’s next and new, and how you can keep improving.” he said.

“We hadn’t beaten Wigan at Wigan for 13 or 14 years, I’m not sure exactly.

“Wigan were unbeaten for two years at their home. I know it was hard for Shaun Wane, he didn’t want to call it a ‘fortress’, but that’s the kind of stadium it was.

“They’re a pretty formidable team to play home or away. I honestly believe they’ve been one of the most consistent sides in the league for the last 10 years.

“During Shaun’s time there, they’ve been to three Grand Finals and a couple of Challenge Cup finals.

“To get any kind of win at Wigan is an impressive performance.”