Waterhead on their guard

Photo: by KEVIN RICHARDSON

WATERHEAD’S Terry Fitzgerald (above) scorer of two tries in their recent victory, looks to offload the ball in the tackle.

COACH Mick Slicker has emphasised the importance of his players keeping their feet firmly on the ground as Waterhead count down to tomorrow’s visit of Eastmoor Dragons in the National Conference League.

The Peach Road outfit are up to mid-table in division two after a run of three consecutive wins.

They enjoyed victories over Egremont Rangers and Ovenden before repelling a Shaw Cross Sharks fightback to complete the hat-trick.

Terry Fitzgerald scored two of Waterhead’s five tries in their most recent success, with Michael Diveny kicking two goals.

Slicker said: “The players know they need to work hard for everything they get — even though we put 50 points on the board against Egremont we were 6-0 behind after 12 minutes — and it will be no different tomorrow.

“Eastmoor will come here on a high after their first win, so we’ll have to be on our guard.

“It’s also important not to take too much notice of the league table at this stage of the season.”

Back-row man Will Schofield is back in contention after being absent since the first game of the season because of a knee injury.

Scott Frost came through last weekend’s fixture with no ill-effects from a shoulder problem, while Chris Charlesworth could play a part if he gets the all-clear from a foot injury.

Meanwhile, table-toppers SADDLEWORTH RANGERS face another fixture of huge importance in division one.

Keith Brennan’s team boast one of only two 100-per-cent records in the league — the other is held by premier division pacesetters Skirlaugh — and they will be looking for win number eight at Castleford Panthers.

Rangers lead by four points, with tomorrow’s opponents one of three teams, including last Saturday’s victims Thornhill Trojans, in a tie for second place.

“It seems as though we have a big game every week,” said Brennan. “But I think I’d sooner have it that way.

“The players have worked hard again in training this week. They’ve got a great work ethic and are always looking to improve.

“But they know they can’t afford to rest on their laurels because there is a lot competition for places.”

Michael Rowe and Paul Ashton are carrying slight shoulder injuries and will be assessed at training.

Emerson Jackman, who damaged his shoulder in the last pre-season friendly, returns for the second-team in the North-West Counties League tomorrow.

OLDHAM St Anne’s, who are riding high in division two, have an open date this weekend.