I WOULD like to express my pride at being a Widnes supporter and congratulate our team on their performance against Catalans Dragons.

They were fantastic and deserve our support.

In spite of being without captain, Terry O'Connor, and other key players and the loss of Mick Cassidy very early in the game the lads proved a worthy opposition to the Dragons.

The French/Australian team are allowed to have eight Aussie players in their team as well as Aussie members of staff.

So much for encouraging a French team.

Several of our players left last season to go to Super League clubs, but Terry O'Connor, Mick Cassidy and Mark Smith stayed and took cuts in their wages in spite of being offered contracts with Super League clubs, to try to take Widnes back up into Super League.

They, along with Barrie McDermott form the platform of the team and their experience will encourage our youngsters to play together and enjoy playing with pride and determination for Widnes.

Steve McCormack, an English coach, has done well with the team he has and hopefully we will go from strength to strength, so come on supporters, let's encourage our boys.

Don't forget, several of our players are only part timers, not like Super League players and the Leigh team who are all full timers - it makes a difference.

C Radcliffe,

Clifton Road,

Runcorn