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One match - one win is score for Farrell

Mike Floyd
1/ 4/2008

HORNETS travelled to Workington on Sunday without flu-stricken coach Bobbie Goulding but, inspired by assistant coach Phil Farrell, they battled to a stirring late victory at Derwent Park.

Cumbria, throughout the years, has proved an unhappy hunting ground for the Spotland outfit and their predecessors at the Athletic Grounds.

But Farrell’s injury-hit squad, with more than its fair share of under 21 players, including Craig Highton who played a full game for the Reserves the previous day, gave a gutsy display to impress their stand-in boss.

"I thought it was a brilliant effort," said Farrell.

"We were under the cosh a few times but our attitude was outstanding. To come up to Workington and win, following on a win last week at London Skolars, means we are in a good state.

"We never know when we are beaten, and one thing we have tried to do is make ourselves hard to beat.

"If our opponents want to come off the pitch with a result they are going to have to earn it.

"Bobbie was a bit ill, so that put more pressure on everybody, but he sent all the lads a text and they all pulled together for a tremendous win."

The lead up to Sunday’s match was fraught with problems, due to injuries and several of the players struggling to shake off illness.

As Farrell explained: "We had not had the best of weeks. We have had illness and injuries, but the young guys who came in did brilliantly.

"Ian Sinfield battled against illness all week. He’s turned into a real leader.

"But to be truthful, to single out any player is a bit unfair, because the effort from everyone was fantastic."

Asked if he was delighted to have won his first game in charge a smiling Farrell replied: "I am but I am retired from now."

Goulding was equally delighted and told the Observer on Monday: "It’s great to have an

assistant you can trust.

"Phil has done a superb job in difficult

circumstances and pulled off an excellent result.

"We are on the same wavelength and I think that was shown by this match."

l HORNETS’ reserves opened their league campaign on Saturday with a 36-16 win over Workington reserves at Blackburn Rugby Union Club.

Try-scorers for Hornets were Chris Hough, Wes Lawton, Craig Highton, Mike Grady, Sam Butterworth and Danny Samuels. Hough added six goals.