PROP forward Simon Alderson is the new vice-captain at Widnes RUFC.
It is another piece of the jigsaw in place for the Wids whose first and second team squads tested each other out in a no-holds-barred friendly at Heath Road on Saturday.
Club spokesman Steve Clark said: 'Simon was in outstanding form last season and his appointment is a fitting reward for his hard work, particularly during the close season.'
The weekend in-house warm-up match presented a first chance for the coaching staff to see all the preparation work carried out so far transferred on to the pitch in a game situation.
The match was one of four quarters, and gave all the players, as well as three new trialists, an opportunity to put themselves at the front of the queue for places.
Coach Lee McDermott and his back-room team can only have been impressed with what they saw.
The first team's opening competitive fixture is at home to Oldham on September 2 in the Lancashire Trophy.
Before then, however, the club has three more friendly games.
Wids face Sefton next week, before meeting Collegiate and then Birchfield.
Meanwhile, the coaching staff remain confident they will be able to announce at least one more new signing later this week.
The junior section has embarked on a major recruitment campaign to boost playing numbers for the coming season.
The club has a terrific junior set-up and seven of the current first team have come through the ranks.
Any potential young players aged six and over can go along to the club with a parent or guardian to see the facilities, and maybe enjoy a taster session with one of the RFU-qualified coaches.
Further details from Dave Breeden on 07921470649, or Jon Cooke on 07974678389.
Details are also at www.widnesrufc.co.uk
* On the social side, club president George Street has organised a 'good old fashioned singalong' at the club tomorrow (Friday) from 8pm. Admission is free.
