Wellsford falls short as time runs out

The Wellsford Rugby Football Club Premier team will look to next season after falling one place short of making the play-offs in the Joe Morgan Memorial competition.

The side finished fifth, 11 points shy of fourth placed Old Boys Marist, after picking up nine wins and one draw in 18 matches.

Head coach Peter Firth says the team got off to a poor start, but would have made the top four had the season been longer.

“We were heading in the right direction, after being second from the bottom near the start, so I have no doubt we would have made the play-offs and been competitive in them had there been more time,” Peter says.

“We’re obviously disappointed that we didn’t make the top four, as that was our season goal, but I feel we did everything we could to try to get there, so we can be positive about that.”

Firth felt one negative was that the team didn’t capitalise enough in some of its early matches to win games within its reach, but was pleased with the attitude and attacking style of play they brought.

“The boys never gave up on our goal through the whole season even when it got tough. They continued to play a positive attacking style of rugby, which is what we wanted to do.”

Three players that stood out for him were Dylan Lewis, Jerome Nathan and Michael MacDonald.

“Lewis played every minute of this season and Nathan went from being a fringe player in the team to a key one.”

Next season Firth is hoping to return as head coach, but is awaiting a decision from the club committee.

“I would definitely like another crack at the title. After having some discussions with the boys, it looks like most of them will stay for next year, which would be good.”

If he does retain his role as coach, Firth will focus on building depth in the squad to be better prepared in case of injury problems and will start pre-season training earlier.