FIRWOOD Waterloo begin what will be a crucial run-up to the Christmas break at home to Billingham this Saturday.

Although in 10th place in National Three North they are still only three points clear of the relegation zone and need to be in a much stronger position before the holiday period.

Fortunately, of the four matches remaining, three are at home and they need to make that advantage count. At the moment Billingham are in seventh place having won six to Firwood Waterloo’s five of the 10 games played so far.

“This is a must-win game for us,” said director of rugby Jan Van Deventer.

“Hopefully the week off has given us the chance to rest bodies and get some of our injured players back to fitness. No criticism to those who have come into the side to plug the gap but if we can get a fully fit side out on the pitch this is a game we will win.”

Following the Billingham game Waterloo are away to West Hartlepool before entertaining Burnage then Kendal at Blundellsands.

“All these three sides are below us in the league and I would be expecting to open up a gap between them and us,” Deventer explained. “If we can do that I am confident we will be able to look foward to a prosperous New Year. However they will also be fighting for survival so we will need to be at our dogged best if we are to prevail.”