Coach Talk

Here we go again into another new season and fresh challenges for the players, coaches and management. Pre season training has gone well with our new head coach Scott Barrow who has set out his goals for the forthcoming campaign. We also welcome several new, young faces into the squad and look forward to having a successful season. Spirits are high amongst the players and performance in our two pre-season friendlies have been very encouraging.

Our first game last Saturday was away to old rivals Preston Grasshoppers. Results at their ground have traditionally always been close so we knew we were in for a tough afternoon. The weather was excellent on the day and conditions were right for open, fast rugby. We started strongly and were rewarded with two penalties within the first ten minutes, converted by Steve Collins putting us 6-0 up. Preston came back at us with a penalty of their own and a converted try putting them in the lead 10-6 after twenty minutes. However we came back strongly with excellent tries from Hooker Tom Coe and centre Jack Metcalfe (on his debut) to put us in the lead 18-10 going into half time. Preston started the second half strongly and scored a converted try within the first four minutes to bring the score to 18-17. Despite this we continued to play controlled, powerful rugby which was rewarded with a lovely try for winger Jamie Harrison out wide to further extend our lead. Preston converted a penalty after 56 minutes but the Tigers finished the game with a converted try for prop Ben Black converted by Piggy just before the final whistle. The final score 30-20, a great all round performance and a five point win to kick off the season. Superb!!!

Our first home game this Saturday is to Yorkshire rivals Wharfedale. This again will be a tough challenge and we know that we will have to be at our best to take the points. I hope that we have a lot of support from all the members and spectators and that we have a great afternoon both on and on the field. Enjoy your day.

Cheers, Hazz