Rugby Union: Waterloo 15, Stourbridge 18

Jan 26 2008 by Ian Hargraves, Liverpool Daily Post

WATERLOO are keeping their fingers crossed that influential fly-half Alex Davies will be fit before his side take on powerful promotion-contenders Stourbridge at Blundellsands.

Davies tweaked a hamstring during Tuesday’s training session, and if he fails the test, his place will go to Jason Duffy, who will otherwise remain at his favoured position of centre.

Another absentee is powerful front row forward Aled Gravell, who ended a lengthy absence in the cup tie against Broughton Park but only managed to suffer a recurrence in the process.

That is a real problem because Stourbridge have an extremely powerful pack as Waterloo discovered in their first meeting, which they lost and will undoubtedly benefit from Gravell’s absence.

Waterloo have improved considerably since their first meeting with their all-round tackling, looking most impressive.

Their forwards will have to pull out all the stops if they are to get their revenge this time round but the key factor will probably be the presence or absence of Davies, who has developed a great deal to become the inspiration of the backs overall.

Elsewhere LSH will really have to pull out all the stops as they entertain mighty Kendall, but will be without their best hooker in Battersby, who is currently awaiting a knee operation.

Mike Elden is again being fielded at full back where he is likely to have plenty to do and the talented Ashley Worsfold is expected to turn out in the centre.

On recent form LSH are unlikely to do more than make their opponents pull out all the stops – but you never know, as they have one or two people who could cause a bit of an upset. West Park will be happy to be in action again after missing out last Saturday and they will be determined to try and snatch a victory at Hull, who are not a particularly strong side.

If Park’s pack manage to tackle well and get a reasonable share of the ball, they could easily move further up the table, especially if the inspirational Hitchmough and rising star Matt Williams are in their best form. The weather looks better, especially at Blundellsands, where the pitch looked in fine condition yesterday.