O’Keefe set for return as Ladies start in fine form

Sep 3 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WATERLOO start the new season with the encouraging news that Martin O’Keefe, the giant prop forward and former club captain who missed most of last season with an injured knee has targeted the home fixture with Westcombe Park on October 4 for his return.

O’Keefe, who played in the Premiership with Leeds before moving to Waterloo, underwent reconstructive surgery, but was not expected to be fit to play again much before Christmas. But, he has recovered more quickly than anticipated and his surgeon Stuart Taylor – a lifelong Waterloo member – has signed him off to resume training.

“I need to regain my fitness and tighten up a bit, but mentally I’m keen to get stuck in as soon as practicable. I have set the target at the first match in October and I intend to be ready for selection by then,” O’Keefe said.

It’s all change at Waterloo where head coach Chris O’Callaghan has spent the close season recruiting for the coming campaign which starts with a home game against Blaydon on Saturday.

Among the influx are five players from relegated West Park although most interest will centre around the return of Freeman Payne and Jan Van Deventer after a season at Sedgley Park.

Waterloo Old Players and Supporters hold their opening pre-match lunch at the club on Saturday.

Meanwhile a very promising Waterloo Ladies team, which included several teenagers, have given themselves a fine start to the season, winning all four games, plus the final title, in the Northwich Tens tournament.

Averaging more than 30 points and captained Clare White, Waterloo emphasised their considerable potential and will certainly start the main season with confidence against Vale of Lune on September 21.

Rather sadly, the number of women’s teams overall has continued to decline and there are only six sides in the North One Division.