Top-six spot is still on for Nuns despite frustrations – Huw

NUNEATON director of rugby Huw Thomas conceded his ‘frustration’ over the club’s injury and player availability issues but believes a top-six Midlands Premier finish is still possible.

The Nuns were facing a front-row crisis heading into last weekend’s trip to league leaders Scunthorpe with Jon Pateman, Sam Greening, Ben Holmes and Ryan Leake all not considered for selection.

Thomas (pictured) scoured local Premiership, Championship and National League clubs for a shortterm option but found many were in a similar predicament.

Despite giving three league debuts to Ed Taplin, Jack Conlan and Jamie Nicholson, Nuns returned home with a creditable 38-25 defeat to leave them eighth in the 14-team division.

“It’s been frustrating but it does create opportunities for others,” said Thomas. “We’ve got a few long-term injuries that won’t be back this season. Fortunately Ed, who has played for us in Warwickshire Cup games, stepped up and did a good job and Jack Conlan was registered in time having played for the Saxons and he will be with us now until the rest of the season.” Reflecting on the game, Thomas said: “Scunthorpe are probably the most efficient team in the league. They do the basics well, they kick and put you under pressure and force mistakes, then they’re very clinical. Not flamboyant but they’ve done very well.

“The lads did well and were a bit disappointed not to come away with something more from the game.”

The defeat leaves Nuns 14 points behind sixth-placed Sheffield - but only 11 points above the bottom three with just six rounds of fixtures remaining.

“If we can get up to sixth that would be fantastic,” said Thomas.