Went to the Wids today to watch the 18's and the reserves, I came away totally astounded by some of the skills on show from Alex. He's absolutely rapid on his feet, something I knew before as I have seen him play previously but IMO he's the most exciting prospect Widnes have. I also had to ask myself the question as to why he wasn't picked for England on the wing, his try in the second half for anyone who went was brilliant. We seem to have an abundance of talent at full back including Owens/Craven/Brown/Hulme/Flynn but the most natural and devastating runner has to be Alex from what I have seen. Hulme is more suited to Half Back as is Craven, I think its hugely important that we build the team around these players over the next 3 years obviously giving them time to build up strength. The number 7 for Widnes 18's (cant remember his name) was also great but the whole team have to be credited even with 3 very good players missing.

The reserves game was actually much slower from what i seen which is a credit to the way the young lads play in the 18's.


A great day all round and I would love to see Alex given more of a go in the first team on a dry track.

The score was Widnes 50 Wigan 26 btw, Wigan had a few missing due to England 18's call ups and Widnes had one with 2 other important players injured including young glimore.

Agreed he needs to start in the first team this year.Did like the number 7 as a player and Dec Hulme.

What I also noticed was how he was directing the team from full back. Last one I can recall actively doing so was David Peachey. Closer to the action at the Wids I know but it still stood out for me.

He knew it was 'on' for his try from 70 yards out as he was clapping and screaming for the ball from the PTB.

Great try, one of the best individual efforts you'll see. One of the better aspects too was that a fairly big Wigan side tried to intimidate Widnes but the lads wouldn't have it and kept their discipline well. They are well drilled team.

The futures bright.

He is not the only full back to do this--Jack Owens does it all the time and was clearly doing it for the first team against Barrow. Its just that Alex has a louder voice

I am surprised no one has mentioned the player who created about 5 tries yesterday. His passing and kicking game has been responsible for so many of the tries that the Academy have scored this season. Well doned Chris Atkin.

the likes of leeds, wire and the pies are secretly going pee pee in their pants thinking about just how awesome The Mighty Vikinsg will be in few years

Unfortunately I don't get to too many Academy/reserve games so I'm not 'up' with all of the lads there but it must have been Atkin who you were talking about. The play always went through him and if it was him who sent the ball out for Dec Hulmes 2nd try - it was a peach of a pass.

Acko is from Widnes VM. His dad used to play RU for the Wids and Birchfield. Top fella his dad is, as is Chris, been on many a up with Acko Snr. Not seen much of Chris play but a mate reckons he could be worth keeping as he's quite versatile.

Alex Brown's try at Keighley in his debut first team game last season was the best individual try we've scored since Damien Blanch's length of the field effort at The Shay about 4-5 years ago.

The best thing about the juniors that have had a first team run out, is that they've all made a good impression. They all have good habits, play positively, without fear.

Look forward to seeing the likes of Tom Kelly, Greg Scott, Alex Gerrard and others getting their chance again.

No Atkin was 6, not sure who the 7 was but after seeing them both against Wigan and Warrington they are both very talented lads and to think they only have Gore & Gilmour ahead of them too... the future's bright

Number 7 was Danny Price