Rugby Union: Waterloo hoping to go one better

Sep 15 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

THE new rugby union season launches its first big match at Blundellsands today, when a Waterloo side including a number of very useful-looking newcomers, take on old rivals Manchester.

Coincidentally, the clubs met last Saturday in a match that was theoretically between their second XVs, but featured a number of new recruits from both of them, and ended in a 21-21 draw.

Today, Waterloo supporters should welcome the chance to watch several potentially outstanding reinforcements, including the Argentinean-born Nicola Mazzucato.

He has been switched from full-back into the centre, alongside the Lancashire and former Sedgeley Park man Jason Duffy, and will certainly take a lot of stopping.

Spanish all-rounder Pablo Feijoo, a highly versatile player, will be displaying his remarkable pace on the wing, and Johnny Rowden, son of the former Lancashire star Syd, will be at full- back.

Argentinean newcomer Bruno Pani will be starting at prop, with big Alistair Davidson in the second row, and the extremely talented David York at No. 8, partnered by Matt Bradley and Tom Davies.

Having won at Macclesfield last week, West Park will feel reasonably confident of beating Rugby at home, especially as they are able to bring in one or two more reinforcements, but will probably have to beef things up a bit forward.

Liverpool St Helens have to undergo a long journey before playing at Middlesbrough, but at least they are able to field a few useful reinforcements after last week’s defeat.

Ex-Waterloo forward Jeff Foulkes comes into the back-row and both Ruskin Park player of the year Ben Mouseley, and former county centre Mark Dickenson form Tyldesley, take over the centre spots in the back division.

Simon Worsley remains at scrum-half, and coach Paul Woodward is confident of success even though star forwards Bailey and Laurens are still missing.