“PROGRESS made” was Waterloo director of rugby Steve Moore’s assessment after his side’s defeat at home to Loughborough Students last week.

“We had a tough week with injuries and we were forced to play a number of players out of position but I am proud of the way they stuck to the task against undoubtedly the best side in the competition,” Moore said.

“We had a plan which was to keep the ball tight and although they did get round us the boys did well against almost a full-time professional outfit.”

This Saturday, Waterloo are away to Preston Grasshoppers and if they play like they did last Saturday they must be in with a chance.

“We will go into the game with confidence,” Moore stated.

“And you never know with ‘Hoppers’. Their form has been in and out so hopefully we may hit them on an ‘out’ day.”

With eight games still to go, Moore has not given up on avoiding relegation.

“We have eight games left and I reckon that five of those are winnable. We are certainly not prepared to throw in the towel just yet.”