Waterhead make mark

WATERHEAD can reflect on a job well done.

At the same time they can look forward to a bright future after finishing runners-up in Group ‘E’ of the National Conference League interim campaign.

Beaten just three times in the 12-game series, the Peach Road outfit can store away plenty of positives as they take a short break before preparing for the all new NCL summer season next March.

The coaching team of Paul Geener and Jon Perks stepped up to first-team duties after serving Waterhead for many years.

And the players responded to the duo’s ideas with a string of impressive displays.

Geener said: “We’ve really enjoyed it — it’s gone well.

“To be honest, after the pre-season we had, we all thought we’d be there or thereabouts.

“It reflects how far we’ve come by our win over St Anne’s on the last day. They beat us in the first match of the season, quite convincingly as well, but we managed to turn the tables last Saturday.”

That 28-14 win included six goals and try from centre Carl Sneyd, one of a host of players who have impressed in the mini-league.

Full-back Alan Williamson and hooker Dale Lowe were others to catch the eye in Waterhead’s run to second place in the group, six points behind unbeaten Widnes West Bank, and three in front of St Anne’s.

Geener has been involved in coaching at the club since the young age of 22, while Perks has been on the coaching staff since hanging up his boots four years ago.

“On a personal note, it’s been my best season as a coach,” said Geener.

“We’ve had 40 blokes consistently at training and they’ve done what’s been asked of them and it shows in the results.

“We won nine of our 12 games and went on a seven-match unbeaten run.

“Widnes West Bank, who are a very good side, beat us twice, but one of those games could have gone our way.”

With a Standard Cup, first-round game at home to Rochdale Cobras to be played before Christmas, Geener and Perks expect the squad to back in training in the next couple weeks.

Standard Cup draw —

Preliminary round: Saddleworth Rangers v Hollinwood. Round one: Folly Lane v Saddleworth/Hollinwood; Rochdale Mayfield v Higginshaw; Fitton Hill Bulldogs v Oldham St Anne’s; Waterhead v Rochdale Cobras.