THERE was no lie-in for LSH skipper Phil Kearns the morning after Liverpool St Helens’ dramatic late winner against Sandbach on Saturday.
Kearns, together with lock forward Alan Chadwick, jointly manages and coaches the LSH under-11s and their young charges were eager to notch up their first win of the season.
And Kearns, now in his third season as captain at Moss Lane, saw his junior team beat Leigh 21-19, coincidentally on a pitch next to the under-12s – who are coached by LSH try-scoring hero Tommy Jackson.
Following the morning’s exertions and excitement, Kearns took time out to reflect on life back in North Two West although he was understandably still buoyant with the previous day’s win.
“What a game,” said the 28-year-old. “I was just thinking that I had never played in a 0-0 draw before when Tommy gave us all another winger’s masterclass.
“It was hard on Sandbach who were a tough young side but it just shows, you should never give up.”
Never giving up is uppermost in Kearns’ philosophy when considering LSH’s current position. “We’ve certainly had our ups and downs” he said. “And with quite a few new faces particularly amongst the backs it has taken us some time to get together as a unit. I think the last two wins show that we are on the upgrade and are getting stronger week by week as team.”
Kearns, an ex-pupil of De La Salle in St Helens, was also full of praise for some of the younger players in his team particularly Jeff Foulkes and Greg Smith.
“Jeff was magnificent on Saturday” he said.
“He was everywhere. Greg is still learning his craft in the number ten slot but is developing with every game. The presence of the Cunliffe brothers in the centre is also a great boost.”
Kearns gave also an early view on this season’s Experimental Law Variations (ELVs).
“I don’t think their impact is as great as everyone expected” he said.
“It has had an effect on our rolling mauls but the biggest issue for me is the different interpretations of the new laws by the referees.
“I suppose it’s inevitable but at our level of rugby it can cause confusion.”
NEXT GAME: Wilmslow v LSH, Intermediate Cup, October 18.
