WHITEHOUSE SEEKS TO DEVELOP YOUNG TALENT FOR SUMAS

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK manager Eliot Whitehouse was encouraged by the performance of his team despite their exit from the Cherry Red Premier Challenge Cup.

The Sumas made changes to their team with several young players and new faces given the chance to impress.

“We were disappointed with the result but we felt the performance wasn’t bad considering we added six or seven new bodies in the team,” said Whitehouse.

“We wanted to see some of the younger ones and give an opportunity to some of the reserve players who all did really well and competed excellently.

“The result is disappointing but it was really good that we got to see some extra bodies.

“I have a connection with the Allied team through my day job and know a lot of them as they go to the school I work at.”

Whitehouse reiterated the importance of working with the young players to develop their games and improve their condition.

He continued: “We’re trying to balance the load on these guys with their competitive rugby and competitive football with the under 18’s.

“Ellis Riley was outstanding today and was our man of the match and played two positions that we were really impressed with.

“Also Max Treacher from the reserves was excellent.

“Everything we asked of him he fulfilled in terms of going after the ball and being really difficult to play against.

“That’s something they all need to develop physically to be stronger, fitter, faster to compete at this level but they have potential and that’s something we want to work with.”

The Sumas now turn their attentions back to league action this weekend.

They face an away trip to Viriginia Water in the Combined Counties North Division.

Wokingham have the chance to go level on points with Viriginia, who are currently in 14th, if they are to pick up three points on the road.