Injuries led to losses and a drain in the confidence

THE coronovirus pandemic ended rugby for the season early and Park’s last 1st XV fixture versus Southport would have been played on April 25.

It has been a mixed season for Park’s senior teams but overall the club is in a strong position to continue to improve.

The 1st XV started the campaign brightly despite absences of a number of players who were unlikely to play at all during the season.

After victories against Crewe in the Cheshire Bowl and the first three league games versus Bolton, De La Salle and Eccles they were in buoyant mood at the top of the league and were hoping to improve on the previous season’s sixth placed finish.

Further long-term injuries picked up in these opening games put real pressure on the squad and a run of nine consecutive losses put Park firmly in a relegation battle.

While injuries were causing selection problems Park lost five times in the closing minutes of games after being in a winning position. Confidence was drained and poor decisions crept into our game costing us points.

Park rallied in the new year by reaching the Cheshire Bowl final (which is yet to be played) and winning league fixtures at Aspatria, Eccles and Sefton.

The season ended with five games remaining with Park 11th in the league and although the RFU calculated final league positions Park were confident they would have avoided relegation if the final games had been played.

The depth of the 1st XV squad improved over the season with nine of the previous season’s colts players in their first year of senior rugby playing for the 1st XV and we believe that these players have a bright future at the club.

We also hope that some of our long-term injury absentees will return in time for the coming season with our aim being to finish in the top six of the league.

The 2nd XV finished sixth in the Halbro league and had a much improved season on the previous year.

A poor run of form at the start of the season scuppered any chances of promotion although the poor run of form coincided with a considerable injury list within the club.

The strength of the squad has improved meaning that competition for places across the senior teams has improved.

On occasions last season we had in excess of 65 players wanting to play senior rugby and it is hoped that at some point in the future we can increase the number of senior teams playing on a Saturday to four.

Promotion is the aim for the 2nd team next season.

Our 3rd XV had a fantastic season in the Halbro League, winning the league and gaining promotion.

After being relegated at the end of the previous season it was a fantastic achievement to bounce back so quickly.

Next season in a higher league will be tough but we are confident that the 3rd team can build on last season and be competitive in the new league.

Squad numbers have improved considerably this season and the camaraderie and team spirit created this season have been a major factor in the success.

The aim next season is to stay in the league with a mid-table position.

Park’s under 17s reached the County cup bowl final which was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid-19.

This team will be in the U18 league next season and we hope that some of these players will start the transition into senior rugby during the campaign.

A new under 17s will take their place in the Halbro Colts League to keep a steady flow of players from the club’s junior section into our senior teams.

Although plans for the new season will have to wait until the current crisis is over we are hopeful that once we are able to resume we will be in a very healthy place to continue to the standard of rugby played across our club.

As always we are looking to welcome new players regardless of ability.

Anyone interested in getting involved can make contact via the club website at wprfc.com or contact Dave Allcock on 07793 248310