‘Massive blow’ losing winger, bemoans Betts
WIDNES boss Denis Betts has expressed his sympathy for winger Patrick Ah Van who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the 34-20 Challenge Cup defeat at Warrington on Sunday.
The freak injury occurred late in the match as the in-form threequarter sprinted away after scooping up a loose ball.
Betts said: “Losing Pat Ah Van was a massive loss on the weekend.
“He’s been playing exceptionally well and giving us lots of quality in terms of getting us wins from the backfield and scoring tries at the other end.
“Once he gets some games under his belt, you know you’re going to get some quality out of him. He’s been showing that with the tries he’s scored and his carries.
“He’s athletic and strong enough to be able to score tries other people won’t score. For him to be gone for the rest of the year is a massive blow to us.
“And I feel for Pat as much as I feel for myself and the rest of the team at the moment.
“It’s a hell of an injury to occur to a winger, a snapped Achilles.”
On a more positive note, 20 year-old winger Ryan Ince signed a one year contract extension this week which will keep him with the Vikings next season.
Ince has been with the club since the age of 14 and has represented the Vikings at every stage of its performance pathway – from scholarship, through to Academy and firstteam.
He has also featured for England at youth levels and has featured on loan in the Championship.
Betts added: “We are pleased to have extended Ryan’s contract.
“Ryan has performed well in the Championship and we know that he has real potential as a player.
“We will be supporting him to push on in his development and achieve the success that we believe he is capable of in Super League.”
Ince himself commented: “I’m delighted to have extended my contract with Widnes Vikings.
“I’m proud to be part of my hometown club and will be working hard to claim my spot on the wing.
“My time on loan time at both Whitehaven and Hunslet provided valuable experience of playing in tough, physical games and I’m looking to draw on this as I aim to secure my first-team spot.”