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The Wellsford Premier rugby team will scrap for a top four placing in the Joe Morgan Memorial competition after some major setbacks due to injury.
When Mahurangi Matters went to print, the side was seventh in the comp and facing Waipu in their next game.
Wellsford head coach Peter Firth says at the worst point of the season, the club was missing 17 players through injury across the premier and reserve teams.
“We lost some players in key positions and were forced to call in inexperienced guys who have played well, but were under pressure when we faced the stronger teams,” Peter says.
He says the lack of players meant a rocky start to the season, but the side is coming together as players return to the team.
“We still want to make a top four play-off spot, which means winning almost every game, but the belief we can achieve this definitely exists in the squad.”
Signs that Wellsford’s season is turning around became clear on May 19, when they dominated the Otamatea Hawks 33-7, after losing to them 18-10 earlier in the year.
“Discipline is an area we need to work on, but there were very few infringements on attack and defence in that game, which was great to see.
“Our ball retention was also very good and we capitalised on that with accuracy from our back line.”
Wellsford’s next home game will be at Centennial Park against Hora Hora on June 6, with a 2.15pm kick-off.
