D-Day for Hornets as Thatto look to edge it
Last updated 11:35, Friday, 09 May 2008
WATH Brow’s hope of making a rapid return to the top echelon of amateur rugby league hinge on an 80-minute winner-take-all clash at Thatto Heath tomorrow.
If the Hornets win or draw, they will return to the National Conference Premier Division at the first attempt.
But if Thatto take the victory, they will move level on points with the Cumbrians and pip them on points difference for the prized promotion slot.
The good news for Wath Brow is that they will be close to full strength, with Andrew Stables, who broke his thumb in the hard-fought recent win over York Acorn, their only absentee.
And they will be cheered on by a coach-load of fans, who are making the trip to Liverpool St Helens.
“We have said all year that this division would be very, very tight,” said Wath Brow joint coach Ian Rooney.
“Our points difference is only around the 100 mark, and there’s a thin line between success and failure.
“Thatto Heath have won nine from 11 at home and got to the National Cup semi-final, where beaten by East Hull. They are in form so we are up against it.”
The Brow have shown a dramatic improvement in the second half of the season, with only one defeat in their last 11 against amateur opposition.
“We’re a very, very young team, and with a few wins under their belts, they are getting a little more confident,” Rooney added. “We are by no means the finished article, but we are a team of triers.
“Thatto Heath like to think they play a bit more football than us, and that’s probably not far off the mark. We are underdogs but we like that.
“I don’t want to put any pressure on our youngsters. If we perform, we won’t be far off.”
Tomorrow’s game will be Wath Brow’s last before they face East Hull in the National Cup final in two weeks, and on behalf of the players and coaches, Rooney thanked all the club’s behind-the-scenes volunteers for their massive help this season.
