THE weather at Fylde was atrocious but it's unlikely we'll have to battle through conditions like that again.

The big question is, when faced with strong wind and rain, do you play with it and try to build a lead or hold out until half-time and hit them when they are tired?

It's an old rugby issue that has been around for ever but we decided to play with the elements in the first half.

We had a gale force wind but we didn't use it particularly well and with a score of 10-8 by half-time there was a danger of having a bad result.

But we showed great character and some outstanding play, especially in the last 20 minutes to nullify and limit the threat from Fylde.

Fylde may have been bottom but one, but Saturday's game showed how tough all games are going to be and there are no easy points about.

Waterloo found that out at the weekend. They had just beaten ourselves and Leeds at home and then went to Exeter and had 40 points put on them in defeat.

I went to a league meeting on Tuesday and the feeling was that this is the most competitive second division ever and the winners could well suffer three or four reverses.

Our aim is to win every game but, when we do lose, we must make sure we stop the rot.

There are plenty of hard games ahead with the next one being Saturday's visit of Rugby Lions.

They are rejuvenated from last season and comfortably beat Moseley on Sunday and we expect a fearsome battle.

They suffered some heavy defeats when last in this division so, like everyone else, they've got something to prove.

Last season they had a big pack and they've added to their squad so are a stronger side.

They've got a good half-back pairing and tricky three-quarters so we'll have to be on top form to repeat last year's victories.

James Lofthouse has had his shoulder operation but the injury does not look good and he's not going to be back with us until the new year.

He's still in quite a lot of pain but we'll get him back fit again and we like to think we've got the best medical care we can possibly offer our players.

We've had a lot of bad luck with injuries but the mark of a good squad is how they can cope.

Bringing in lads like Phil Hassan helps the situation. He's been well received and will help us get on with the job in hand.

Thursday, October 22, 1998.