Geener in Waterhead hot-seat
Date published: 29 January 2010
MICK SLICKER
AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE: PAUL GEENER has been put in charge of third-bottom Waterhead for tomorrow’s game at home to Stanley Rangers in National Conference League division two after the resignation of Mick Slicker (kick-off 2pm).
Coach for the past two-and-a-half years, Slicker (pictured inset) told the club of his intentions to relinquish the role before last weekend’s Carnegie Challenge Cup defeat at the hands of Drighlington, but was on the touchline for the preliminary round clash. He will continue to run the club’s under-16s.
Geener, who still plays, steps up from second-team coaching duties.
Waterhead chairman Peter Beswick said: “I would like to put on record my thanks to Mick for all his hard work and effort. He has been brilliant and I wish him all the best for the future.”
Geener faces a difficult test in his opening match at the helm as Rangers are second in the table, just a point behind Eccles and Salford Juniors.
Meanwhile, Saddleworth Rangers, Oldham St Anne’s and Higginshaw are in BARLA National Cup action this weekend.
RANGERS, who lead the way in National Conference League divison one, are at home to Wigan St Cuthbert’s (2pm) in round two.
St Cuthbert’s hail from the premier divisioin of the North-West Counties League, but they will be no pushovers after losing to Siddal in last year’s final of this competition.
Rangers coach Keith Brennan, who reports no new injury problems from last week’s Challenege Cup defeat at the hands of Siddal, said: “The matches don’t get any easier, but I like it that way because it means complancency won’t creep in.”
ST ANNE’S are also up against NWCL premier division opposition in the guise of table-toppers Ryland Sharks, who last weekend lost 14-12 to Halton Simms Cross in the Lancashire Cup final.
Coach Mick Cashin is without forwards John Fox and Dominic Igoe for the third-round clash, but prop Andy Sands should be available despite nursing a shoulder problem (2pm).
“Rylands are going to be up for it and will fancy their chances of an upset,” said Cashin. “But we’re at home and that makes a huge difference.”
HIGGINSHAW, from NWCL division four, face a stern examination at home to Hunslet Warriors, who boast a 100-per-cent record at the top of the Yorkshire League premier division.
