Rugby Union: Concern over Tongan

Oct 10 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

NEW BRIGHTON have made light of the absence of influential skipper Kati Tuipulotu with two excellent wins.

The Tongan back-row man, who recently signed on for another three years, has been struggling with a groin problem.

Reports he could be out for the season seem unfounded and there is every chance he will be back soon.

The Blues are due back at Leigh on Saturday in the National Cup and will be confident of another success at a ground where they won in North Two West less than a fortnight ago.

The latest triumph for New Brighton came against unbeaten Stockport at the weekend winning 16-0 in a game which also counted in the Lees Cheshire Cup quarter-finals.

Certainly there is an air of confidence these days at the Leasowe headquarters. The good days seem to be coming back after a period of serious decline on the rugby side on and off the pitch.

Gareth Simpson and John Brotherton were the try-scorers against Stockport with Stephen Dean managing a brace of penalties.

Next up on the league scene for the Blues is a trip to Lymm on Saturday week but meanwhile they will take nothing for granted this Saturday as they look for National Cup progress against a Leigh side without a win to date.