Waiting game

DEJECTION . . . Waterhead players head back to the dressing room after the defeat that consigned them to re-election.

RUGBY:

Waterhead’s fate ‘in the air’ after last-day loss

WATERHEAD face an anxious wait to discover whether they will be re-elected to the National Conference League.

Garry Highton’s side finished the season one-from-bottom of Division Two following a 34-18 defeat at Egremont Rangers.

The bottom two sides must apply for re-election, and historically their fate has been decided by their ability to meet league criteria, and a vote by each National Conference club.

However, Highton admits the situation is far from straightforward this time, with at least nine teams from outside the National Conference thought to have applied for entry.

The switch to summer rugby — meaning 10 games will be played between September and November before the start of the new season in March — calls for a swift announcement.

But Waterhead are unsure how long it will take for their future to be resolved.

“Everything is up in the air at the moment,” said Highton.

“In the past this scenario has been relatively simple, but the issue is clouded by so many teams wanting to join the league, and the fact we have switched to summer rugby — of which we are in favour.

“If nine teams were successful in their attempt to join the National Conference, would a Division Three be created or would they be spread out over Division One and Two?

“We are just not sure at this stage.

“It could have an impact on our own hopes of re-election, although our management committee are confident the application we have made will be successful.”

Danny Knight and Lee Melia scored early tries for Waterhead in their final game of the campaign, but a rising penalty count handed a lifeline to Egremont, and Kieron Glenn crossed for the visitors in the 15th minute.

Peter Bewsher levelled matters, and almost immediately Egremont were in front through Glenn’s try and John Paul Brocklebank’s conversion.

Glenn claimed his hat-trick just before the break and Leon Crellin also touched down, with Brocklebank adding the extras.

Crellin and Brocklebank crashed over the line after the interval to stretch Egremont’s lead.

Andy Williamson and Sam Wilson notched consolation tries for Waterhead, the first of which Sean Garrett goaled.