Buoyant Waterloo target maximum points at Halifax

Apr 19 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WITH some well deserved silverware in the cabinet Waterloo take their 19-30 Lancashire Cup success over Sedgeley Park across the Pennines to take on bottom of National Two Halifax at Ovenden.

Despite having two points deducted for fielding an unregistered player, which has consigned them to the lower half of the table, head coach Chris O’Callaghan is determined for his side to finish in the top half.

“The Lancashire Cup success has certainly boosted confidence,” he said after last Wednesday’s game. “We played some good rugby and although we waivered when they pulled back to within four points the boys stuck at it and fashioned a match winning try in the final minute. My objective this Saturday is come away with maximum points.”

After turning out mid-week for Sale Jets Chris Parrott comes in on the left wing with Alex Shaw in on the blindside in the back row.

Up front Bruno Pani switches across to loose head in place of Rob O’Donnell who twisted an ankle on Wednesday allowing James Jones to fit in at tight.

Already relegated West Park welcome Preston Grasshoppers to Red Rocks for their final game of the season and their last at least for the time being in National Three North.

Head coach Chris Chudleigh says in his programme notes , “Today sees us start our campaign for next year, which means wrapping up and discarding the baggage from this campaign and looking forward. The aim will be to get a clear idea from all the players about what they want from West Park rugby next year, lay down what I expect from West Park rugby and marry the two together.”

Rob Hitchmough makes a welcome return at full-back allowing Mark Turner to resume on the wing.

Still in with a slim chance of avoiding relegation Liverpool-St-Helens take their fight across the Pennines to face Yorkshire rivals Cleckheaton where a win for the Moss Laners could keep their hopes alive as long as Darlington go down at home to Birkenhead Park and Penrith slip up at Middlesbrough.