Wood confident Waterloo can turn fortunes around

THERE was heartbreak at Blundellsands after Waterloo surrendered an 8-7 lead to a penalty try with just minutes remaining on the clock to Billingham who took the honours.

With Morley 21-7 winners at home to Cleckheaton, a win for the Mersey- siders would have provided useful amunition to the armoury but with just one point deposited from the losing bonus they will have it all to do in 2017.

However they will be able to take great encouragement into the new year from their overall performance and if they can get their senior players free from injury and able to select from a fully fit squad they will certainly be in with a fighting chance of maintaining their status in National Three North.

“Of course we were gutted by the manner of this defeat but I cannot fault the effort all the lads put in this afternoon,” stated director of rugby Steve Wood.

“If we can get a fully fit squad out on the pitch throughout the new year, on this performance I am confident we can turn our immediate situation round and keep our place in this league.

“We played some good rugby this afternoon, particularly in the first half,” he continued, “but whereas in previous games we have folded after the break, today we kept going for the full 80. We have never lacked spirit and can certainly take heart from this.

“It was also great to have the crowd behind us and I would like to thank all those on the terraces for their support, it was very much appreciated.”

Billingham took the early points with a try from Matt Kirkby converted by Dan Finney for a 0-7 lead at the interval.

After the restart Liam Reeve slotted a penalty and with Scott Robson going over from a catch and drive, Waterloo enjoyed an 8-7 lead.

Billingham came back but the Waterloo defence held firm. However with time running out the extra exertions began to tell as the referee awarded the visitors a crucial penalty try, Luke Wilson adding the conversion.

Waterloo now take a two week break before returning to action on Saturday January 7 at Hull.