Benson salutes forward Chris’s impact
Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 11 June 2010
CHRIS Clarke has had his efforts lauded by Roughyeds coach Tony Benson.
The 21-year-old all-action loose forward has been in terrific form of late, never more so than in the 40-26 defeat of high-flying Blackpool last week.
The former Oldham St Anne’s prospect only made the breakthrough to the first team this season, having signed his first two-year professional contract prior to the 2009 season.
Ahead of table-topping Oldham’s home game against Doncaster on Sunday (3pm kick-off) it is a measure of Clarke’s rapid progress that it is difficult to imagine anyone else taking up the role at the back of the scrum.
“He has been outstanding all year,” said Benson of his young Lees-born protégé. “In pre-season he trained the house down and has put on some serious size — he is a big kid now.
“Then he had his injury setback (Clarke broke his wrist in a Northern Rail Cup tie against Sheffield), but he worked harder than ever to get past that.
“He follows instructions to the letter and takes any advice on board.
“Loose forward is a very difficult position, as you have to swap between playing as a prop and being a ball player who provides support.
“He is the best player we have for that, as it suits his skills and power.
“He also has a big engine and can go for long periods. It can make life difficult as a coach, as it is sometimes difficult to see when he is tired.
“He is a good kid as well and someone whose heart and soul is Oldham. He is passionate about doing well.”
Despite entering the game on the back of successive wins, at Workington and against Blackpool at the Whitebank Stadium, Benson is wary of a dangerous and improving Doncaster side currently third from bottom of Co-operative Championship One.
“You have got to take them on their recent form, and that has been very good,” Benson added.
“They ‘nilled’ Swinton (16-0) and then went on to lose 30-20 at home to Hunslet — which is a lot better than we did.
“They are desperate to make the play-offs which is where they should be.
“A poor start has cost them so far but they have been getting players back from injury and I’m led to believe there will be a further three or four back this week.”
