Rugby Union: Woodward stays upbeat

Oct 10 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WHILE the pain of LSH’s agonising point defeat to Sheffield Tigers was somewhat eased by England’s magnificent performance against Australia, the message is clear for the Moss Laners.

Having shown that they can compete at this level the quest is to produce the formula to go on and win the games necessary to ensure their place in the division. The performance drew praise from director of rugby Paul Woodward, conscious that he has not yet been able to field a full strength team.

“The work-rate and commitment was excellent” he said. “The pack, at last, showed what they can do. We are still just off the pace however, and will keep working for as long as it takes. ”

The return of Richie Bailey renewing his second-row partnership with Alan Chadwick certainly improved the balance of LSH and the enforced return of scrum-half Chris Wibberley for his first outing in three years, due to injuries to Chris McRobert and Ollie Cashman, proved to be a spectacular success.

LSH, after a landmark weekend in which all 13 club sides, seniors, colts and juniors took the field, now look towards the far North East and the trip to Morpeth in the EDF National Trophy.