West Wales take positive step forward

James Gordon

West Wales Raiders chairman Andrew Thorne was positive after an improved performance in their defeat at home to Doncaster at the weekend.

After shipping 268 points in their last two games – away trips to York and Bradford – West Wales returned to Stebonheath Park and were beaten 70-18 by Richard Horne’s high-flying side.

They trailed 42-0 at half time before rallying in the second half.

Thorne said in a statement via the club’s Facebook page after the game: “Today was definitely a better day at the office, I know we lost with a score of 18-70 but where we were two weeks ago compared to where we are today it’s a big change, granted the score is still high but I was pleased to see that the lads can score tries against quality opposition.

“In the second half we scored 18 points to Doncaster’s 28 showing that it was a really competitive affair with what I believe the penalty count going in our favour.

“What was more pleasing was that out of the squad of 17 we fielded 15 Welsh eligible players, and they are the same lads who have been involved since the start of the season including a lot of the young lads that people have said have no place in the game.

“Looking around the league there are other teams in the same place as us today with some big scores so we know it isn’t just us who have things to work on, we know we have a long way to go and there are areas that need improving on but overall it has been a positive day.”