Siddal name Scrimshaw as new coach for 2020
NATIONAL CONFERENCE Premier Division outfit Siddal have named their former hooker Martin Scrimshaw as their new coach.
Scrimshaw, a member of the club’s successful sides of the early 2000s, has been coaching in the club’s junior section of the club for over 10 years and has also worked with Leeds Rhinos’ Academy coaching team.
He takes over from Gareth English and Darren Phillips, who had taken caretaker charge 18 months ago after the brief reign of Anthony Murray and guided the club back into the play off places this year.
Scrimshaw, who has made an immediate start on preparing for the start of the 2020 NCL season, was quick to praise the role of English, the former Ovenden player-coach, and Phillips, a former teammate of Scrimshaw’s.
“Gareth and Daz steadied the ship when they took over after
HALIFAX BASED Great Britain back Jake Connor says he’ll be better this week for getting 80 minutes of Test rugby league under his belt ahead of this weekend’s second test against New Zealand.
After missing selection for GB’s clash with Tonga, Connor was named at centre for last Saturday’s first
Test against New Zealand in Auckland, which the Lions lost 12-8.
“I haven’t played for five or six weeks with Hull not making the play-offs so I’ve had a bit longer break than most people,” Connor said.
“It was pretty tough but hopefully it’ll be better this week. Preparations have been a lot better, we’ve worked on a few things and put stuff together.”
we had made a shaky start 2018,” said Scrimshaw.
“They gave a chance to younger players who had come through Siddal’s junior section and they were rewarded with improved performances as those youngsters got to grips with Premier Division rugby.
“Last season the lads kicked on again and the challenge now is to keep improving, and enjoying our rugby”.
Scrimshaw, who has been with Siddal for over 35 years, will be assisted by current coach Jason Greenwood-MacDonald.
Russ Holroyd will also help out with coaching duties, while the club’s Yorkshire Men’s League side will be mentored by Chris Brooke and Paul Long.
Scrimshaw said training for Siddal’s open age sides will begin on Wednesday, November 20, with an initial mix of gym sessions and outdoor fitness training at Scammonden and Shibden Park.
Players old and new are welcome to join the sessions and further information is available from Scrimshaw on 07711 511468.
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