Friday, April 25, 2014

Gareth Lodge and the Guisborough lads to stay sober for big test


Guisborough seek play-off glory tomorrow - which means a sober night tonight




Guisborough seek play-off glory tomorrow - which means a sober night tonight.


Former England star Brian Moore is guest speak at a club dinner, but the players have pledged not to drink.


“The decision was made by the lads and I’m happy with it,” said Guisborough skipper Gareth Lodge. “We wanted the date of the play-off game changed, but the authorities said they couldn’t do it.”


Guisborough know they are in for a tough game at Yorkshire One runners-up Dinnington, for the division is of a higher standard than Durham and North One, in which Guisborough have finished runners-up for the last two years.


In the play-off for a place in North One East last year, they lost 33-12 at Huddersfield YMCA, who this year stormed to second place in the division above, proving how strong Yorkshire rugby is.


“We’re underdogs, so all the pressure is on Dinnington,” said Lodge. “We know what to expect because we have been through this before.


“We have learned from our mistakes last year when we didn’t take our chances but Huddersfield did. Around 90% of our team is the same as in last year’s game but I feel we are a bit stronger now.


“Dinnington are very much a forward based side, with a strong pack, so we will have to be ready physically and get our tackles in.


“It’s about enjoying the occasion. If we enjoy ourselves we will win. But if we don’t win, we will be better prepared next year. What matters most is that we are going forward as a club.”


Middlesbrough, relegated from North One East this season, await the result as it may have a bearing on where they play next season. A decision on Acklam’s status - they were in Yorkshire One this season - is also awaited.



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