NEW COACH Chris Hough has been speaking of the importance of relegated Waterhead hitting the ground running at the beginning of their National Conference League, Division Two campaign.
Hough, whose side’s opening fixture in away to St Helens-based Pilkington Recs on Saturday, March 1, is looking to start the season well.
He explained: “I am hoping we get off to a good start and get a few wins under our belt because winning is a habit just as losing can become.
“It is a lot easier when you are winning. I want the lads to enjoy their rugby and to play with a smile on their faces .”
Pre-season preparations are well under way with twice weekly training sessions taking place.
“Training is going really well and the commitment has been 100-per-cent. The lads have done all I have asked of them and everybody has bought into what I am trying to achieve,” added Hough.
Hough has a young side and he says he will be looking to bring in a couple of old heads to provide the experience they lack.
The coach is also delighted that former player George Ford has made the senior England Rugby Union squad for the first time while his cousin and current player, 16-year-old Adam Davies has been selected for Great Britain Emerging Lions.
Hough continued: “It is great for both players and fantastic, not only for our club but also for the town.
“And hopefully their success will go on to inspire our young players and show what they could achieve.
“We have a good youth set up as do Saddleworth Rangers and St Anne’s so the future looks good at all the clubs in the area.”
Hough added he was coming through the junior ranks at Waterhead at the same time as PaulSculthorpe and Kevin Sinfield.
“I remember if somebody made the Lancashire team, it spurred me on to become a better player and to bring the best out of me,” he concluded.
