MMorgan

Published at 01:00, Thursday, 29 June 2006

By Martin Morgan

WHITEHAVEN can expect to face one of their NL1 Grand Final tormentors on Sunday after Widnes yesterday agreed terms with Castleford Tigers for Aussie winger Damien Blanch.

The ex-Penrith Panther was a try-scorer for the Tigers in their 36-8 success over the Cumbrians last October at Halton Stadium, the venue for this weekend’s top-four clash.

Blanch, 23, is today expected to sign a loan deal for the rest of the season, though Haven will still approach the match with confidence after Sunday’s big home win over title-chasing Leigh.

“Good luck to Widnes but we are coming in to some sort of form and whatever they’ve got, we will cope with it,” said Haven spokesman John Cox.

Widnes have signed ex-Wigan scrum-half Dennis Moran, and former Haven forward Oliver Wilkes and Jordan James, both on loan from the JJB, since winning 38-16 at the Recre in April.

Widnes coach Steve McCormack, the ex-Haven boss, said: “Both teams have strengthened since we last met and Whitehaven will have David Fatialofa back, who’s a big player for them.”

Meanwhile, Haven’s Academy match at Widnes, due to be played on Saturday afternoon, has switched to Sunday at 1pm to avoid a clash with England’s World Cup quarter-final against Portugal.

“It was Widnes’ idea to switch and we were more than happy to play on Sunday,” said Academy director Dave Farrell.

“For the first time this season we will probably have more than just the odd first-teamer. We should have a very strong side out but we’ll need it against Widnes. They are at the top of the division, so it’s going to be tough.”

Meanwhile, forward Craig Walsh has gone on to the transfer list at his own request. He made only three appearances last season due to a knee injury and has appeared four times this year, scoring one try.

n Yesterday’s Pride of Five £100 winner was Smith, of John Gaskell Court, Hensingham, with ticket number 1,444. Sawyers, of Melbreak Avenue, Cockermouth, 1,781, was Tuesday’s winner.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk