Egremont Rangers (Away)
Leigh Miners make the long trip up to Cumbria on Saturday to take on Egremont Rangers in Round 7 of the NCL Kingstone Press Cider Premier Division, Kick off 2-30pm at Gillfoot Park.
Miners travel North unbeaten in the league, winning all four of their games (3 home,1 away) so far this season to leave them at the top of the table level on points with Wigan St Pats and Hull Dockers who have both played two games more. Last weekend saw Miners progress in the Conference Challenge Trophy and although they was again nowhere near their best, they got the all important win to set up a round two clash away at Millom in early June.
It’s going to be another tough battle on Saturday as it always is at Egremont, with the performance needing to be much better than in recent weeks if Miners are to return home with the two points. The players though are full of confidence at present and are determined to put in a big effort, to make sure they are on the bus home with five wins from five.
On last week’s cup win, forward Martin Gray said “I thought we had a good start with two quick tries early on. However, it went down hill a bit after that until half time”
“I felt the turning point of the game was the hairdryer treatment from Fergie (Allan Coleman) at half time. It seemed to do the trick and we regained some form in the second half with some well worked tries.”
“Credit to Underbank for their valiant efforts, especially their go forward in the middle.”
Looking at Saturday’s trip to Cumbria, Gray added “It is always going to be a tough game away at Egremont. No doubt they will be wanting to be the team that spoils our form so we need to be resilient.”
“They are strong side and we need to ensure our pack steps up this week with a big performance, that can lay a platform for our backs to take the glory.”
And looking at the season so far and the future, Martin added “It has been a perfect start to the season. The Challenge Cup run has no doubt been a highlight over the recent weeks but to be the only team unbeaten in the league I feel is just as impressive.”
“We have had the benefit of a few home games early on and we must ensure we replicate this form away too. The big away wins are just as crucial if we are wanting to contend for the league title.”
“We have a strong squad with people fighting for shirts, We’re a team that thrives on Summer rugby and I hope we can continue to improve as the season goes on and pitches become drier.”
Coaches Allan Coleman & Paul Whitworth make two changes from the Underbank win, with Matt Astley coming in for Connor Ratcliffe and Bud Skinkis replacing the injured Jack Probert.
Talking about last week’s Conference Challenge Trophy victory, Joint Coach Paul Whitworth said “We talked about starting well as we didn’t want Underbank to get any confidence off the back of us and we probably started as well as I’ve seen us this year.”
“Credit to Underbank though, as they really took the game to us in the middle and we got a little disjointed.”
“We needed to stiffen that middle area up and at the start of the second half we did just that and completed our sets allowing us to get in the right areas. From this we played the rugby we practice and the points followed.”
With Allan Coleman saying “We started the game very quick and very good, but then we started losing the middle for a spell and we have made sure we have worked hard this week in training to rectify that area.”
Looking ahead to the Egremont game, Whitworth added “It will be a challenge as always. We’ve probably been at between 60-70% of our capability last couple of games, so we have been working hard on improvements to raise those percentages.”
“Egremont is a tough place to go but there should be a better surface to play on this year with their ground improvements. We’re almost at full strength and the team selection will reflect on the challenge in front of us this week!”
“Egremont have won 2 from 5 in their league fixtures this season, with both of those wins coming at home so if we are going to get anything, we will have to have to put in that improved performance.”
With Coleman adding “We are playing the toughest game of the season so far on Saturday, Egremont will be very physical so are middle will have to be good.”
“With Mathew Henson.and Daniel Telford at 9 the ruck we will have to be alert, We are looking forward to the challenge and we will be looking to improve as we do every week.”
Egremont Rangers go into Saturday’s game having won away against Division One leaders Ince Rose Bridge 19-18 last weekend in the first round of the Conference Challenge Trophy, a late Matt Bewsher drop goal putting The Mont into the next round at home against Shaw Cross Sharks.
In the league Egremont currently sit in 10th position on four points, losing all three away games but winning their two home games played against Rochdale Mayfield and East Leeds. The home side will certainly be looking to keep their unbeaten home record intact this weekend, with the players selected to take on Miners after a strong performance so they keep their shirt ahead of next Sunday’s BARLA National Cup Final against Sharlston Rovers.
Leigh Miners 2nd team are at home on Saturday against Oldham St Annes in the league, Kick off 2-30pm at Twist Lane.
The u18s are away on Sunday against Oldham St Annes in the Quarter Final of the Lancashire Cup.
Leigh Miners Ladies entertain Normanton Knights on Sunday in the league, Kick off 2-30pm at Twist Lane.
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