Rugby Union: Woodward ‘relieved but disappointed’ after loss

Sep 12 2007 by John Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

THERE was a strange sense of relief around Moss Lane after Saturday’s defeat by Westoe in the opening fixture of LSH’s North One Campaign.

There was disappointment at the result and perhaps even more disappointment at the missed chances that contributed to the defeat but there was also a real feeling of anticipation now that the new season and the new challenge was at last under way.

Director of rugby Paul Woodward was upbeat after the display. “Disappointing but encouraging,” were his initial thoughts. “They were a good side but we played well enough to beat them.

“I was pleased with the two new lads, Ashley Worsfold and Ben Mousley and there were good performances from my regulars from last season.

“However, look at the table and it counts for nothing and anyone who didn’t realise that we are in for a really tough time this season will surely do so now.”

LSH, without a number of key players last Saturday, will be strengthened for the trip to Middlesbrough by the likely debuts of Mark Dickinson in the centre and former colt Jeff Foulkes at wing forward with scrum-half Chris McRobert expected to be fit from an ankle injury.

The news on prop Jan Lourens (knee) and lock forward Richie Bailey (food poisoning) is also encouraging although it is not yet clear if either will be ready in time for the Teesside clash.

FORMER LSH winger Nick Royle, who is on tour with the England Counties in France, is certainly catching the eye.

On his debut last week against Russia he scored a try and on Monday he followed up with another try in stoppage time to give the England Counties a 21-15 victory over Spain at Morlass.

The Fylde flyer left three of the opposition trailing in his wake to score.