Best yet to come pledges Fylde ace

Warren Spragg was disappointed with his first Fylde season but is confident of a better campaign in 2013/14

As Fylde prepare for their first home National League One clash of the season against Wharfedale on Saturday, Spragg explained why his opening season at the Woodlands did not match his own high standards.

He said: “I came into the squad late last summer, and I struggled to adapt to a semi-pro environment after a long career as a full-time player and six seasons in Italy.

“I don’t think the coaches or the spectators saw the best of me and I was rather disappointed at my contribution during the campaign.

“ But I’ve really enjoyed this pre-season.

“The new players, such as Gareth Gore, Mark Rylance and Joe Robinson, have fitted into the squad very well and love the brand of rugby we play.

“So it looks promising for the long season that faces us.”

Spragg was among the try-scorers as Fylde opened the season with a 45-41 win at Old Albanian, recovering from a below-par start which left them trailing 19-7 in the early stages. He said: “At the beginning of the match, we threw rather too many players into the breakdown and Old Albanian exploited overlaps to punish us.

“But we got our off-loading and passing game going later in the first half and did some damage.

“We were solid in the second period, and with the breeze behind us we did well with ball in hand, and we kicked a little more than normal.

“Although it seems strange to say it of a game in which 86 points were scored, the defences of both teams were good.

“It was an incredibly physical encounter against a very good Albanian squad.

“I think they will cause problems for a lot of the division this season.”

- Fylde Hawks opened their season in the Bateman BMW Premier League with a 15-7 win over Sedgley Park II.

In Standish Media Services Division Two North, Fylde III beat Sedgley Park III 41-3.

Fleetwood II lost 43-10 away to Oldham II.

BAe Warton won 15-11 at Fylde IV in Raging Bull Division Three North.

Thornton Cleveleys II won 51-3 at Fleetwood III in Division Four North, while Fylde V lost 44-15 away to Bolton III.