Bitter Sands slams summer

NO FUN IN THE SUN: Andy Sands has left Waterhead claiming the switch to summer has ruined the game

RUGBY:

RUGBY League’s switch to summer has been the ruination of the game, says ex-Waterhead coach Andy Sands.

Week after week, frustrated Sands found himself with depleted numbers, ringing round franctically to mount a team. The task took its toll: he has now left the National Conference League, Division One side.

“We held a meeting with the players a month ago,” said Sands. “It was said that things would change, but they never did. So I have left them to it.”

Waterhead’s current slump — the first team has lost five of its last six matches - is mirrored by the ailing fortunes at Saddleworth Rangers, second-bottom of Division One.

Oldham St Anne’s, meanwhile, occupy a spot in the lower half of Division Two.

Sands said he saw the problems coming, and didn’t believe the switch would be a hit, forcing players to choose between playing and family llife.

“As soon as the warm weather comes around the lads want to go off with their families for the weekend,” he said.

“You can understand that. We don’t get a lot of good weather, do we? In the middle of November when the rain is coming down it’s different. Summer rugby has ruined the game.

“Even in the professional ranks, where I used to play, I see sides put out now who we would have absolutely smashed. But it is too late to go back now.”

Sands’ former number two Mick Whaley has stepped in totake Andy’s place, assisted by Ian Ogden.

Though times remain very difficult — only 13 players made it to East Leeds for the 86-0 defeat on Saturday — Whaley is optimistic.

“A lot of senior players weren’t available but we went with plenty of 16 year olds who conducted themselves very well indeed.

“We work with the players we have and the young lads are our future. The good thing is, they want to come and learn.”

None of our trio of Conference clubs have a fixture this weekend, with the Challenge Trophy quarter-finals taking place.