3-1 record but coach gets flick

IT is one of the stranger sackings in Tasmanian sport with SEABL women’s club Launceston Tornadoes sacking Ben Rush yesterday despite starting the season with a 3-1 winloss record.

Rush, who had a year as head coach of the men’s Hobart Chargers in 2015, fronted a press conference yesterday with Tornadoes chairwoman Janie Finlay, but neither were giving much away.

Finlay would not give any details about Rush’s departure, despite the coach being only four games into a two-year contract.

“There’s been a growing concern about the bringing together of the playing group and the coach, and we are concerned about the impact that might have on on-court performance,” Finlay said.

“We really want to thank Ben for the work that he’s done in preparation for the team to get us to this point for three wins, and for the season ahead in 2017.” Rush was equally evasive. “Look, everyone is focused on where to from here and the decision has been made and we’ve agreed to end the contract and me no longer coach the club and we’ll move forward and I’ll move forward in my own direction and that’s where the focus is at,” Rush said.

“Just look at basketball and other things in life and just see how things play out.”

Last year’s coach, Reece Potter, will coach the Tornadoes on their away trip this weekend as the club seeks a permanent replacement.