Rugby Union: LSH plunged into trouble

Jan 23 2008 by John Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL St Helens’s miserable start to 2008 continued with the cancellation of the game at Birkenhead Park followed by news of wins for fellow North One strugglers Darlington and Penrith.

These are trying times for the Moss Laners, who are looking to strengthen their coaching staff. The club are seeking an assistant head player-coach to work with director of rugby Paul Woodward.

“We have clearly got a fight on our hands,” said president Ray French. “But wherever we are next season we need to build up a resource for whatever lies ahead. If anyone pops up that would be a bonus.”

Despite the long term injuries to Phil Battersby, Ollie Cashman, Adam Leadbetter and Ray Doolan and more recently, the loss of Richie Bailey, Woodward makes no excuses.

“Quite simply, at times we have not been good enough,” he said. “Our performances have been littered with errors almost all of which have proved costly. However there is still time to turn things round.”

Things are no easier for LSH this weekend when unbeaten leaders Kendal visit Moss Lane.

Edge Hill University student Mike Hebden returns at full-back with Chris McRobert and Simon Worsley at half-back and Ashley Worsfold and Mark Dickinson pairing in the centre.