‘IT GIVES US A MASSIVE CHANCE TO CLIMB THE LEAGUE’

23 May 2019

Luke Waterworth previews this weekend’s Championship fixture against Dewsbury Rams at Heywood Road.

Luke Waterworth believes this weekend’s clash against Dewsbury Rams is a crucial chance to climb the Championship league table.

The Lions head into the game on the back of a victory at the Summer Bash following an-impressive second-half comeback against rivals Rochdale Hornets.

Frankie Halton crossed for his first try in Swinton colours, whilst Matty Ashton’s 90-metre intercept try secured the two-points at Blackpool FC’s Bloomfield Road.

Stuart Littler’s side could jump to 10th place in the league table with a victory over the Rams this weekend, with just one-point separating the sides, and Waterworth believes this game is important for the season.

“It’s a huge game this week and it gives us a massive chance to climb the league and go over Dewsbury,” he said.

“They are a good, physical side that will try to cause us some problems.

“Dewsbury did a good job on us at their ground early on in the year. We left there feeling very disappointed and didn’t feel that we showed the true us. We need to nail our game-play to give us the best chance to get the two points against a good outfit.”

Swinton found themselves 24-10 down to the Hornets at the Summer Bash following a disappointing first half, but Littler’s half-time team talk inspired the Lions to a 40-30 victory on Sky Sports.

Fans travelled in loud numbers to Bloomfield Road, which Waterworth admitted helped lift the team to their second victory of the season over Rochdale.

“The fans have been awesome, they always are,” he said.

“They turned the game into a home game for us with all the singing and support. It was fantastic and as a player it helps you get through the tough periods in the game.

“I think we let ourselves down massively in the first half at the Bash. We was loose in the wrestle and our execution was off, but we showed character in the second half and finished very strong. We need to start with the same intensity and energy as the second half.

“This is a huge chance to go back-to-back. At training, we have spoken about how important it is to get two in two. We’ve only done half a job after last weekend and we want to complete the job.”

Luke was also awarded Sky’s Man of the Match against Rochdale, in which he added: “I was surprised to be honest. It could have gone to a number of players, especially in the second half.

“I was happy to receive the award, but most of all delighted to get the two points. I think we have some momentum building in the team and there is some great self-belief which will prove to be vital in the upcoming games as we want to start climbing the league.”

https://twitter.com/Swinton_Lions/status/1130384317820149761

Tickets are available on the gate at Heywood Road this Sunday, 3:00pm kick off.

Be loud. Be proud. Be there!