Strike force stay loyal to Wharfedale (From Craven Herald)

Strike force stay loyal to Wharfedale

4:44am Friday 14th July 2006 in Sport By Sportsdesk

WHARFEDALE'S two star backs of last season have turned down lucrative offers from other clubs to stay at The Avenue.

Chris Malherbe and Mark Bedworth had outstanding seasons in the green jersey but that brought them to the notice of other clubs.

However. John Lawn, the Wharfedale coach, this week confirmed that the two were back in training and had committed themselves to the club for another season.

"They were stand out players in the league last season and we accept that is going to make them attractive to other clubs," said Lawn.

"It's very flattering for them and I suppose for us but they enjoyed their rugby here and think they can develop further with us.

"What we cannot offer them in terms of money we make up for in our style of rugby which suits them and plays to their strengths.

“What we cannot offer them in terms of money we make up for in our style of rugby which suits them and plays to their strengths."

John Lawn, Wharfedale coach

"They get along with the rest of the lads and the camaraderie at the club is a big plus."

The decision of the two centres to stay with Wharfedale is a huge boost as it embarks on pre-season training.

One player absent is Martin Halsall, the young prop from Sale, who, after a season's loan with Wharfedale, has returned to the Premiership club in a bid to burst into the first team squad there.

However, he has told Lawn that if things do not work out then Wharfedale will be his first port of call.

Among the new faces are a prop or hooker from the Leeds area who has played for Yorkshire under-20s; a group of players from Sedbergh School, which has strong links with Wharfedale, who are now at Leeds University; and other potential recruits.

"We'll see how they go. They don't sign contracts or anything like that," explained Lawn.

"If they like the club and the set up they stay and try to fight their way into the first team, if they get a better offer or don't feel right then they leave with no hard feelings either way."

From the start they have been working on game related situations rather than largely fitness work. Lawn is a big believer in players looking after their own fitness because they will quickly be found out if they are not prepared.

"Players are responsible and I don't have to chase them, they are where I want them to be in terms of fitness for this time of year," he said.

Supporters will be able to see the team in action as soon as August 11 when Sedgeley Park visit The Avenue for a night match. Kendal follow a week later and on August 25 they play a final warm-up match at Cleckheaton.