The Scarborough News

Returning Pirates face tough opener

- BY CHARLIE HOPPER andy.bloomfield@jpimedia.co.uk Twitter:@SN_Sport

Scarboroug­h Pirates are gearing up for their return to competitiv­e rugby league action on Saturday.

Captain Zac Metcalfe and his side are on the road as they kick start the season with a trip to Three Tuns and he’s expecting a tough game.

He said: “It’s going to be a really physical game and I’m sure that they will try and take the game to us.

“There will be a lot of forward work in the game and we are going to have to play really well to get a positive result out of it.”

Metcalfe admits that there is a real buzz around the squad, with lads excited for the return of rugby league on the Yorkshire Coast.

“The lads have now had a real taste for the game against Heworth and we are hungry to get back out there.

“It was a really tough, tight game against them and I’m confident that we’ll be able to

put what we’ve worked on into practice.

“The preparatio­n has been really good and the fresh ideas that have been brought in have definitely helped us.

“The game is a lot faster

than before and I’m hoping that we’ll be able to give a lot of teams a fright this season.”

With many of the squad returning having had time away from the game, Metcalfe is hopeful that the blend of

experience and new players will help his side to positive season.

He added: “Everyone has had a year out from the game so it’ll be hard to judge how other squads will do and perform.

If we can get into the top half of the table that would be brilliant for the lads but a top four finish would be unreal.

“It’s going to be a really good season for the side and we can’t wait to get going.”

 ?? PHOTO BY TCF PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? READY FOR RETURN: Scarboroug­h Pirates, pictured in their friendly clash with Heworth, are ready for this weekend’s league opener with Three Tuns
PHOTO BY TCF PHOTOGRAPH­Y READY FOR RETURN: Scarboroug­h Pirates, pictured in their friendly clash with Heworth, are ready for this weekend’s league opener with Three Tuns

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