Loo optimistic for new season
PETE CURETON
AFTER last week’s comfortable win against opposition from one level below, Firwood Waterloo took on the challenge of facing Lymm from a level above.
The team travelled the 33 miles to the Crouchley Lane ground with last week’s words from coach Stuart Turner still fresh in their memories - “we will need to be more prepared and focused to face a side in the National Leagues”.
On a breezy and sunny afternoon, the squad competed very well in the first 30 minute period against a big Lymm side and it ended 7-5 to the home side.
In the second period, Firwood Waterloo continued to compete well and briefly led through another try, coming from strong work by the forwards, Daragh O’Brien adding the extras. Other notable performances came from Dom Gosling and Alex Ward, and also from Tom Tindall, who played out of his usual position.
Coach Stuart Turner, who wanted to give everyone a run out felt that overall, the squad competed well.
He said: “We scored two good tries to their first try that came from turnover ball and a run in from the half way line. The windy conditions were not ideal for secure line outs and we will concentrate on this in training next week.” Whilst recognising the physicality of the home side which showed in the third period, he recognised many positives from the game.
Forwards’ coach Sean Fletcher added: “The lads know that we have a shape and even with mixing up the players it was pleasing to see how that was largely maintained throughout the game”. Alex Ward, captain of the day remarked that the squad “showed a sharpness which is a credit to the new lads”.
The final score line of 59 – 12 belies the great effort of the Firwood Waterloo squad.
“The game helped us to clarify our thinking about positions and players”, commented an upbeat Turner, and with more experience of playing together he believes that his “best team is not too far away”.
His view was shared by loyal supporter Rob Cain who commented: “Our strongest line up looks promising, scrum was strong and we have options in the backs”.
The 2019-20 season kicks off this Saturday at Penrith and the boys return the following week to The Memorial ground to take on Broughton Park.