Skolars welcome third placed Whitehaven RLFC this week as the battle to secure a top 8 spot heats up. Whitehaven’s player/ coach Carl Forster is set to make his 100th appearance for the Cumbrian side as Jermain Coleman also names himself in the match-day squad.
Reflecting on last week’s draw against Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium, Skolars’ Head Coach Jermaine Coleman stated:
“From where we started the second half, we did well to earn the point, however we somehow felt aggrieved to have not won the game and taken both points. We seem to have had four games like that now, where we’ve been close to the wire and this time the hooter sounded when we were on the better side of it.”
When asked about the season thus farm Coleman was steadfast in the club’s direction and its overall ambitions:
“The goal that we set ourselves for this season was to be competing for places in the top half of the table, we made that step up last year and this year it’s about progression. We don’t see ourselves as an expansion team that are doing well, we are going toe to toe with the northern clubs and asking questions of them.”
Whitehaven are perhaps the toughest prospects to visit New River since Toronto Wolfpack on the season’s opening day. We asked Coleman what the Whitehaven game meant:
“A win against Whitehaven would put us a point behind them in the table and give us a real opportunity of securing that top half position, we go to North Wales the following week and if we can grab the points there as well then you’ll begin to see how that league table might be looking come the split in July”.
Coleman also mentioned the club’s culture, it’s focus on growth and sustainable progression, a view echoed by General Manager, Jac Davies:
“Like Jermaine has said, we walked away from the Keepmoat Stadium last Sunday a little frustrated at not taking all the points back to London however it’s a good demonstration of where the club is going, we are looking to compete on a regular basis with the more established outfits and all across the club we’re not content to sit still. We’re focussed on bettering last year’s performance and getting points from ur next few games is key to that”
Coleman makes several changes ahead of this Saturday but retains a squad with a good balance of experience and energy. Jy-mel Coleman and captain Dave Williams retain their places in the squad following their returns from injury last week. Will Martin is again included following a strong performance against Doncaster RLFC and a good run in the reserve team.
As well as the spectacle of rugby league, Skolars will again be making a full day of it. The reserves will be playing Eastern Rhinos giving some of the first team’s fringe players a chance to show their abilities. Following the action, live music will be showcased in the 1995 Bar followed by the inaugural 1995 Bar pub quiz.
Our match against Whitehaven is sponsored by the Jolly Anglers, Wood Green.
Tickets remain available:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kingstone-press-league-1-london-skolars-vs-whitehaven-tickets-32688787042
