Rugby union: Tim Doig calls for Chester to bounce back

Jan 6 2011 Chester Chronicle

TIM Doig is looking for signs of maturity from Chester as they aim to pick up their title charge.

The Hare Lane outfit return to National League Three North action on Saturday when they entertain Lymm (2.15pm).

Although Chester go into the derby clash against their Cheshire rivals sitting second in the standings, director of rugby Doig is keen for his young side to rediscover their blistering early-season form after the back-to-back defeats they suffered before Christmas.

Doig said: “The season is going well. We are a young, inexperienced side, but we played with freedom at first and won most of our games comfortably.

“I think since then word has got around and sides have started to make it more difficult for us. The players are learning that they have to work for 80 minutes.

“We brought in a lot of talented lads from North Wales who have all done well, but it’s taken them some time to get used to the quicker pace of rugby here.”

Doig has lost the services of highly-rated teenage centre Lloyd Hayes to a professional club in Italy, but he hopes to have secured the permanent signature of a trio of Fijians that are well known to the Hare Lane faithful.

Whise Navunidakua, Leo Tuliva and Leo Naps have all turned out for Chester this year, but their appearances have been restricted because of short-notice calls demanding they return to their army base.

Doig said: “Lloyd Hayes will be a big loss but we wish him the best of luck.

“I’ve been told that the Fijian boys are back for the next six months or so now and they will make a difference.

“They all make so much space for themselves and us as a team – they just don’t like the cold!”

Chester shook off the ring rust on Sunday as they lost 20-5 at home to higher-league neighbours Caldy in the semi-finals of the Cheshire Cup

The hosts made a dream start when fly-half Bryn Snelgrove fed the ball inside and powerful back-rower Ross White bundled his way over the line.

But the early try sparked National League Two North side Caldy into life and they hit back to book their place in the final.