Lupton: No Catalans cup hangover
Celtic Crusaders loose forward Peter Lupton has insisted that his team are not still feeling the effects of the heartbreaking 34-35 loss to Catalans in the Challenge Cup.
Brian Noble and his troops host the Bradford Bulls on Sunday on the back of four straight losses which began last month after a last-minute Thomas Bosc drop-goal won the game for Catalans Dragons in the fifth round of the cup.
It was a game that the Crusaders were expected to win but Lupton, 28, insists that they are not suffering from the loss.
He said: “I don’t think there is a hangover from the Catalans game.
“Obviously it was a very close and physical match and those games do take it out of you. It was disappointing to lose the way we did but we take things one game at a time and we don’t tend to dwell on performances once the game has gone.
“We are in a mini-slump at the moment and we’ve just got to dig in and get ourselves out of it.”
Lupton believes the Crusaders have been lacking confidence and composure especially after their most recent defeat – slumping to a 50-22 reverse after early promise at Harlequins.
Their next opponents Bradford are also in a mini-slump having lost their last three games which includes a thumping 52-6 defeat against Huddersfield last time out. Lupton believes that a victory over the Bulls can kick-start the Welshmen’s season.
He said: “Bradford will be looking to bounce back against us on Sunday. They’re also missing a few players through injury at the moment and this could be the game where we can really turn our season around and get back to winning ways. A big win at the Racecourse will do our confidence a world of good.”
Peter Lupton has been singled out for praise and has been one of Brian Noble’s better players in recent weeks but he added: “I have done ok and like every player I wish I could do better. I have been mixed around in a few positions this year and I will play wherever Brian wants me to play. I’ve played in different positions pretty much throughout my career so I’m used to it.”