Waterloo power fade

Mar 12 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WATERLOO approach their match against Wharfedale, one of only two sides that have been beaten away from Blundellsands, in a spirit of great determination.

Barring a dramatic run of results, they should be safe from relegation but could still finish unpleasantly low down the table if they do not put an end to a run of six consecutive defeats.

Waterloo completed the double over promotion-chasing Manchester with a flourish and have been in winning positions in a number of games, so their lack of positive results to show for their efforts is difficult to fathom.

But there have been a number of factors that have taken their toll. The most obvious is the number of injuries, with the one that sidelined skipper Martin O’Keefe for most of the season having the worst effect. The pack have rarely managed to dominate, due to a lack of direct leadership as well as physical power.

Outside the scrum, Alex Davies has shown plenty of inspiration at fly half, but it is difficult to grind out good results when you are being driven back so much of the time.

The pack has looked a little lightweight at a time when the game is being more and more dominated by physical power.

How much time at the forthcoming AGM will be taken up with discussions of tactics remains to be seen, but the future of the club – and whether it would benefit from a move to another site – is likely to dominate.