Woods proud to be Two North’s ‘best of the rest’
TYNEDALE head coach Ben Woods is delighted with his side’s campaign as after a slow start they climbed to seventh in National 2 North.
They ended their season last weekend with a crucial losing bonus point in a 38-26 defeat to fifth placed Fylde to stay ahead of Luctonians.
Woods believes the top six were in a league of their own, so he is pleased with his team’s finish after struggling at the beginning of the season.
Woods told The Rugby Paper: “This season has been a really successful one. We were one from six at the start and it was difficult for us coming out of Covid. With all the false dawns in terms of when we were back playing meant we had a really disjointed preseason.
“We suffered numerous injuries at the start of the season which halted our momentum but once we gathered consistency, selection and high-level performances, we managed to secure victories.
“I think it became clear that the top six teams were quite far ahead of everyone else so to finish seventh means we are the best of the rest outside the top six which is fantastic.
“The bonus point against Fylde proved crucial as if we hadn’t got that we would have finished below Luctonians.”
Woods is proud of his squad’s effort and has been
impressed by multiple players throughout the season.
He said: “Whoever has put the shirt on has done a fantastic job for us. Will Miller has been fantastic in the 12 jersey – he’s one of the best defenders in the league and can get five turnovers in the contact area each game and his attacking has really come on as well.
“Matt Alson our nine, had a good season playing at 10 and 12 as well, in positions he hasn’t played before. Jake Rogers came back after Christmas which coincided with a lot of our good form, and we also had great guys coming through the Colts as well.”
Woods was impressed by the quality of rugby and the competitiveness in the league.
He added: “It’s a good level. We lost at home to Harrogate, who finished bottom of the league so there wasn’t an easy game for us this season. The top six teams were a level above but below that any team that played well could beat anyone, so it was a really tough campaign to get through.”