Huddersfield v Halifax RUFC: Halifax urged to clean up their act
Published Date:
12 September 2008
By John Metcalfe
COACHES Rhys Morgan and Dave Harrison have been instilling a sense of discipline into their Halifax RUFC charges ahead of tomorrow's National Three (North) derby clash at Huddersfield (3.0).
A massive penalty count of 21 against Halifax - 11 in the ruck area alone - was partly to blame for last Saturday's 24-13 opening day defeat by Preston Grasshoppers.
And while the new experimenatal law variations did play a part, Morgan insisted it was not a lack of knowedge but a lack of communication that caused the problem.
"Everybody was puzzled as to why we were constantly being penalised last week," said Morgan.
"After the game I sat down with the referee, and his assessors, and to his credit he explained his decisions to me.
"He told me what areas surrounding the new laws referees would be looking at, but that directive did not filter down to us at club level.
"We listened to what they had to say and Harry and myself have sat down with the players and gone though the various points so hopefully, armed with that knowledge we can adapt our game accordingly."
Morgan is looking to make a number of changes ahead of tomorrow's trip to Lockwood Park.
Popular pair Craig Emmerson and Martin Smith are included in the squad while prop Adam Blades is also pencilled in after recovering from operations on his groin and knee during the close season.
Hooker Rob Townend is also likely to be involved while Oli Marns replaces Dave Hall on the wing.
The only notable absentee is flanker Dan Solomi who was sent off last weekend and is set to face a disciplinary hearing.
Morgan is determined to stay patient and refuses to make changes for changes sake. And having experienced players to call on can only strengthen his hand as Halifax look to break a losing habit picked up in National Two.
"We have players coming back all the time and the situation is looking healthy," added Morgan.
"Obviously it was disappointing to lose our first game, and at home, but we are a good team and we will pick up points.
"Unfortunately there are players at the club who have got used to losing. We have to take the pressure off ourselves and stop turning inwards when things go wrong.
"It's not going to happen overnight, but if we can go out with more determination and not be afraid to attack then we will start winning games."
Morgan will be hoping to buck the trend at Huddersfield, although he is expecting a tough game against a side who also lost their opening game against Fylde last weekend.
"They will want to bounce back after their defeat, but so do we," said Morgan.
"They are a good side with a good coaching set-up and I am sure they will have done their homework."
The full article contains 488 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
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Last Updated:
12 September 2008 9:44 AM
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Source:
Evening Courier
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Location:
Halifax