Nigel delivering for Skerries hockey

THE decision by Skerries Hockey dub to move into the senior division of the Leinster League will give one young Drogheda man the opportunity to display his skills, developed and encouraged by present Grammar School Coach, Trevor Elliott.

Nigel Rusk is the 21 year old left winger on the Skerries First XI and he’s presently bang on line for an historic season with the Seasiders, following in the footsteps of his father Bobby, who started off with the club exactly 21 years ago.

Nigel who only joined the club at Christmas 1988 figured on the third team last year but is set for promotion.

“I played with the thirds last year and it was a very gentle pace. The first team is very fast and tough and a lot more physical,” he exclaimed. “I found that injuries to my knees were the worst,’ he stated.

The Collon Road harpshooter began his hockey training in the Grammar School under Trevor Elliott before moving on the University College, Galway, to study Science where his interest in the sport continued.

Nigel whose favourite position is in the midfield believes those who take up the game are very good at it and some, possibly playing for years, may never reach any great standards.

“I think you have to be good at stick and racket games like tennis but it’s not a very difficult game to get to know,” he said.

“It’s quite easy to get a free using the obstruction rule but there’s a lot of skill in dribbling the ball and I can’t do it too well,” he exclaimed.

Rusk played a key role in Skerries first match in senior hockey on Saturday last. A game they drew 2-2 against Clontarf.

Other local players on the Skerries squad include Drogheda’s David Greenway and Laytown’s Greg Stack