HALIFAX dumped Widnes out of the National League One play offs last night - and then unveiled the Vikings' outstanding playmaker Bob Beswick as their first new recruit for 2009.
The versatile 26 year old, who began his career with Wigan before moving to the Halton Stadium three years ago, set up two of Widnes' three tries in last night's sudden-death showdown, which Fax eventually won 32-16 thanks to doubles from Ben Black and Mark Flanagan and some typically assured goal kicking from Graham Holroyd.
And speaking exclusively to Courier Sport, Calland confirmed Beswick - a National League One 'dream team' selection in 2006 and 2007 and an Ireland international - would be at the Shay next season.
"Bob's a fantastic signing for this club," said Calland.
"I cannot wait to see players like Sean Penkywicz, Mark Gleeson and Black in the same side as him.
"He's an outstanding player: he can step off both feet, has great skills, is a good defender and can play in a variety of positions.
"Where he fits into our team will depend on who has the form, but it's certainly an exciting prospect.
"Everyone saw what he can do last night."
On the field, Calland was delighted by a display that ranked as one of the club's best of the year against Steve McCormack's full timers, who even flew French international prop Adel Fellous back specially for the game.
"I was really proud of the way we stood up," said Calland.
"We didn't control the ball that well - again - but we scored 32 points against a good full time team.
"A lot of our players had been at work all day - on building sites, standing up in classrooms - and I am proud to be the coach of Halifax.
"It shows what a good team we are and how good we could be if we hold the ball a bit better.
"Someone is going to be on the end of a good hiding when we do manage to do that."
It was in defence where Fax made the difference, with 10 days hard work since their crazed 64-44 final day win at Featherstone paying rich dividends.
"Widnes had a bit of a roll on at one stage in the second half, but our defence held up well," said Calland, whose side will now host the winners of Sunday's Leigh versus Whitehaven clash.
"We've worked on it a lot recently and it looked a lot better.
"We were good on the line, did a good job on Dean Gaskell who caused us problems in the past, and scrambled very well."
On a night when Fax didn't have a bad player, Calland was still moved to pick out Black, young backrower Mark Flanagan, who was back in the side after a month-long injury absence, and in-form prop Frank Watene.
"Black was great, you don't see him for a few minutes then he pops up and scores a 60 metre try," enthused Calland.
"He's so unpredictable and that's what you need in play off football.
"I thought Flanagan was absolutely outstanding, he was like an axeman in defence.
"To see him play like that after quite a bad injury was really pleasing.
"Frankie went well off the bench too, but you could go right through the team, I am so proud of all of them."
HALIFAX'S second string visit Leigh tomorrow (3.0) in round one of First Division play offs.
Victory would see Karl Fairbank's young side host the Grand Final in a fortnight's time.
Fax have won the competition for the last two seasons, but have exceeded all expectations - possibly even their own - in 2008 with a side composed predominantly of local teenagers.
The full article contains 655 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
