London Skolars Director of Rugby, Mark Croston, takes a look back at another busy week for the club:
It was great to see Harlequins RL’s convincing win last weekend, a terrific performance which sets them up nicely for this week’s clash with Hull KR. With a free weekend Skolars Championship squad enjoyed a well earned rest after an intense week of training.
Although we have a fantastic group of players who can beat anyone on their day, we are always looking to strengthen, particularly in key positions.
We have added Mourad Kriouache, the former Toulouse, Carcassonne and France U20s scrum half, to the squad this week who replaces Jy-mel Coleman, who has accepted an offer from Keighley to play with them for the remainder of the season.
Mourad has settled in well and brings plenty of pace and craft, which saw him represent his country through to the U20s.
It’s been a busy week and the addition of Matt Ings to the Championship squad is just reward for the work he’s put in with the reserves.
The trip to Doncaster gives us a great opportunity to play a team who are looking likely play off candidates. We have two home games to come after the trip and everyone is busting a gut to get the three points on offer.
It was great to see Neil Thorman running around in training this week – he’s worked tirelessly to build his arm back up ever since his surgery and will be a welcome boost to the squad once fully fit.
Our Junior Section are taking part in this year’s Community Game Raffle to raise funds to go towards their end of season presentation and ensure a celebration worthy of their outstanding year so far.
The Community Game Raffle is promoted by the Rugby Football League and all affiliated clubs are entitled to sell tickets to raise much needed funds. The raffle, which is running for the fourth year, has proved to be hugely successful within the game having raised over £65,000 for community clubs and the Rugby League Foundation charity in previous years and the latest draw is set to raise more funds for more deserving causes.
This week has also been touched by immense sadness. The passing of Paul Darbyshire, the former Wigan St Pats and Warrington star, is a tragedy. I played with Paul for several seasons and toured down under with him. A true gent and an absolute winner on and off the field – he will be missed but never forgotten.
