Danville Demands Consistency as Skirlaugh Prepare for Tough Newsome Test

Skirlaugh Head Coach Matt Danville has challenged his side to build on last week's impressive response against Siddal Academy as they prepare for a difficult away trip to Newsome Panthers this weekend.

After a disappointing display the previous week, Skirlaugh bounced back with a much-needed victory over Siddal Academy, and Danville was delighted with how his players reacted to the challenge laid down in training.

"I was really pleased with the response," said Danville. "We challenged the players after the previous week's performance and they reacted exactly how we wanted them to. The attitude, effort and commitment were there from the first whistle, and I thought the lads showed a lot of character to put things right."

The Skirlaugh coach felt several key elements that had been missing in recent weeks returned against Siddal, particularly the side's intensity and discipline in sticking to a simplified game plan.

"Our intensity and attention to detail were much better," he explained. "We played with more energy, defended with purpose and were prepared to work hard for each other. Those are the foundations of any good performance and they were definitely back on show.

"We stripped our game plan back to basics and stuck to it. The lads love to play expressive rugby, but I asked them to pull that back a bit and concentrate on the basics first. I thought they did that really well."

The victory was made even more significant by a number of changes to the team, with several players stepping up when given their opportunity.

"It's always important to get a positive result after a setback," said Danville. "The changes gave some players an opportunity and I thought everyone who came in contributed well. It creates healthy competition for places and gives the group confidence moving forward."

Despite Skirlaugh recording a convincing 32-12 victory when the two sides met earlier in the season, Danville insists that result will have little bearing on Saturday's encounter.

"Very little, to be honest," he admitted. "That was a long time ago and both teams have changed and developed since then. We know Newsome will be a different challenge this weekend and we won't be taking anything for granted.

"They have one of the best home records in the league alongside ourselves, so we know we have to be on our game to compete."

Danville expects a highly motivated Newsome side on home soil and believes his team will need to earn every inch.

"They're a team that works hard and they'll be motivated playing at home," he said. "As the season progresses, every side improves and becomes more settled. They have some great players, they defend really well as a team and we know we'll have to earn everything against them."

With home advantage often proving decisive, Danville knows the importance of a strong start from his side.

"When you're away from home you need to match the opposition's energy early on and make sure you're switched on from the first set. We want to build pressure through our effort, patience and discipline.

"If we want to compete for top spot, we need to take some big scalps away from home and a win on Saturday would certainly count as one for us."

Training this week has focused on refining key areas despite last week's success.

"The lads have worked hard and there's been a good atmosphere around the group," Danville said. "We've focused on improving the areas we still felt could be better despite the win, particularly our consistency, execution and communication in defence, especially in the wrestle after contact.

"We have some effective, robust systems that we trust and know work for us, so we're into the details of making sure we execute them to the highest standard we can."

Skirlaugh will welcome back captain Josh Atkinson after a week's holiday, although injuries and further absences mean changes will again be required.

"We've got a few players carrying knocks, which is normal at this stage of the season, but we'll assess everyone before the weekend," Danville revealed. "There'll definitely be some changes to last week's team. Although we won't be travelling full strength, it gives other lads the opportunity to step up and we have every confidence they can do a job."

Several players have impressed in recent weeks and could force their way into selection contention.

"There have been a number of players performing well, which is exactly what you want as a coach," said Danville. "The competition for spots has increased and that's helping drive standards across the squad.

"Louey Pinkerton and Kieran Smith stood out particularly well in last week's Academy game and in training, so they could come into contention."

Looking ahead to the contest, Danville highlighted the areas that will determine whether Skirlaugh can leave Newsome with an important victory.

"Discipline, defensive effort, completion rate and attitude," he said. "If we get those areas right, we'll give ourselves a good platform to play the rugby we want to play.

"When you're playing the best teams, you can't afford to be defending extra sets because of poor discipline or ball control. If we tidy those areas up and compete in all the effort areas, we'll be in with a shout."

With the season entering a crucial stage, the Skirlaugh boss is keen to see his side back up last week's encouraging display.

"Consistency is something we've spoken about a lot. One good performance means very little if you don't follow it up, so the challenge for us now is to maintain those standards week after week."

And when asked what would constitute a successful performance on Saturday, Danville's answer was clear.

"A successful performance would be one where we play with energy, discipline and commitment for the full 80 minutes. If we do the simple things well, work hard for each other and show the right attitude, the result will usually take care of itself.

"We know we can show up well with the ball and score points, but we need to get the hard stuff done first. We will need to be physical, front-load our efforts on both sides of the ball and build our game from that."