Jack Yarker Injury Scare

After 7 weeks of intensive training Wirral took a complement of over 30 players to New Brighton for a pre-season match. This was split into 3 periods of play to enable all players to get some game time as well as trying out different combinations.
Wirral were without 9 of last year’s first team squad but were able to field teams with a blend of youth and experience. Wirral played against the wind in the first period and it was apparent that both teams had picked strong combinations. NB used the wind to gain ground advantage whilst Wirral used their backs to good effect to make progress up-field, however there was a lot of dropped ball by both teams. Wirral were put under pressure by the NB pack near their line as their forwards controlled the ball in their usual manner utilizing the services of their influential Tongan No. 8. The rushes were held but on clearance an injury occurred to Jack Yarker who had to be assisted from the field of play. The half ended 0-0.
Following a change of teams the deadlock was broken when good ball saw the Wirral backs pass the ball down the line for the winger to score. For the remainder of the game Wirral were in command as the forwards won the ball and the Wirral backs came into their own and the team scored a further 5 tries.
In the absence of a number of first teamers it gave an opportunity for new players to the squad, from last year’s school first team, those home from university and players new to the area a chance to show the coaches they can push for a first team place. The pleasing aspect from the club’s point of view is that it shows strength in depth and this should augur well for the 2nd and 3rd teams in their bid to challenge in their respective leagues and for the 4ths to consolidate their promotion to a higher league.
Next week the squad is at home to Newport (Salop) where a number of players missing from last Saturday will now be available. The match will be played on Ocean Field with a 2.00pm kick off.
Congratulations to Ryan Stead, Paul Lewis and Joe Adnams who all got married during the close season. Also to Tom Robinson who gets married on the 22nd.
We also wish Joe a speedy recovery from his illness although it may be some time before we see him back on the rugby field.
Jack Yarker has ankle ligament problems which will mean he will probably not play for some 3 to 4 weeks.

Richard McNeil