Rugby Union: LSH use enforced break to recharge their batteries

Mar 26 2008 by John Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

DESPITE bemoaning the lack of recent fixtures Liverpool St Helens have taken full advantage of the enforced three-week break to recharge their batteries in readiness for the crucial month ahead.

Pilates sessions have been added to the regular training routines as the coaching staff have sought to maintain fitness levels prior to this week’s pre-match high intensity training.

“We had a first class instructor focusing on each individual’s core body strength,” said director of rugby Paul Woodward. “The sessions were well received and complemented our normal activities.”

As the squad prepare for the tough away trip to Westoe the break has also provided an opportunity for players to rest recurrent injuries. Skipper Phil Kearns (knee), Ashley Worsfold (back), Jeff Foulkes (ankle), Gareth Tudor (knee) and Martin McGough (ankle) have all received ongoing treatment and should be on the bus to the North East this weekend. Joining them will be hooker Phil Battersby for his first appearance since last October and now fully recovered from a knee injury.

“Although we’ve had no rugby the busiest person at Moss Lane has been Helen Hartley our Physio.” said Woodward. “She has done an excellent job all season and has worked particularly hard to ensure that key individuals are match fit.”

Woodward will need his squad in top condition to take on their third-placed hosts, knowing that his side will need to win at least two out of the last three games to have any chance of staying in North One. “We will probably need to win all three” he said. “And in our current form there’s no reason why we can’t. But for now there’s only one game that matters – this Saturday.”