Halifax RUFC v Leicester Lions: Halifax looking to tame Lions
Published Date:
19 September 2008
By John Metcalfe
RHYS Morgan will be looking for his players to display a more ruthless streak as they prepare of the visit of unbeaten Leicester Lions tomorrow (3.0).
Morgan was disappointed by the attitude his charges showed in the 24-3 defeat at neighbours Huddersfield last weekend and is looking for an instant improvement against the Lions, who are third in the table after securing two wins in their opening matches.
"Last week was a tough day at the office, there is no doubt about that," said Morgan.
"I was very disappointed with the attitude for a local derby and I let the players know.
"I had to give them a rollicking at half-time and things did improve when we made the changes.
"But we still made too many mistakes, we were too naive and we weren't ruthless enough.
"There is certainly no panic at the moment but we are a side that needs to have confidence in its own ability."
Morgan has once again had his hands tied as far as selection is concerned due to injuries, illness and unavailablilities.
"There is a temptation to throw caution to the wind and re-invent the wheel," he added.
"But fitness and work commitments mean that I don't have a lot of leeway in changing things around."
Morgan has been robbed of the services of lock Martin Smith, who left Lockwood Park during the second half after picking up a shoulder injury, while Dan Solomi is nursing a damaged hand.
Winger Dave Hall is missing through work commitments while stand off Craig Barker is only named on the bench after suffering from flu.
As a result Iain Gordon has the chance to stake a claim for the No 10 shirt with Oli Marns replacing Hall on the wing and Craig Emmerson coming in to outside centre alongside James Endersby.
Adam Blades starts in the front row with Steve Worsley and Paul Turner with the second row partnership of Josh Cammiss and Nic Corrigan remaining intact.
Ian Spence, who made a good impact from the bench against Huddersfield, starts at No 8 with Richard Brown moving to blindside flanker and Dominic Moon at openside.
Morgan would also like to see Halifax get their season up and running at Ovenden Park, although he accepts his side are in for another tough day tomorrow.
"They are riding high and will come to Halifax feeling pretty confident," said Morgan. "We have got to set our stall out to win, especially our home games.
"Everyone is really pulling together. It will be a tough call against Leicester but it will be up to us to show some real steel."
The full article contains 453 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
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Last Updated:
19 September 2008 9:04 AM
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Source:
Evening Courier
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Location:
Halifax