“We need to manage games better”: Fylde RFC joint boss sends a message to the Woodlands players

Fylde RFC aim to seize a big opportunity to tighten up and post a victory at struggling Huddersfield (3pm) in this Saturday’s final game before the National Two North season takes its first break.

Fylde bagged five tries at home to Tynedale last weekend but were still outscored and lost 41-29.

It was their third loss in four games, with more than 40 points conceded in each of those defeats.

Joint-head coach Chris Briers told The Gazette: “We scored five, which is great, and had opportunities for more but we made a few too many errors and conceded too many penalties.

“It’s not one thing that is catching us out but we do need to tighten up and the main message is to keep hold of the ball for longer periods. The other team can’t score if we have possession.”

Fylde had spoken about starting matches faster, though they conceded a penalty from the kick-off on Saturday and fell behind to a first-minute try.

They never led at any point in front of the Woodlands crowd and Briers added: “Tynedale caught us cold.

“If you give away opportunities to kick penalties into the corner, there are teams who will thrive on that as we would ourselves.

“We got it back to 17-17 after half-time and thought we could kick on but it didn’t happen. We need to manage games better.”

Injuries and unavailability are forcing Fylde into changes week after week and the pack was shuffled against Tynedale.

“We’d like more continuity but we are blessed with depth that other teams don’t have,” Briers said.

“The pack was strong on Saturday but it would be good to keep a group together on the field for a few weeks.”

As Fylde continue to nurse injuries, the blank Saturday on the 24th of this month may be welcome.

“The week off could be helpful but if we have a good win this weekend, then we’d want to carry on,” said Briers.

“If the week off helps us get to the point of having more players available and the sort of selection headaches we want, then it could benefit us.”

First comes the visit to a Huddersfield side with just one win this season.

The Yorkshire club have lost their last four, shipping 240 points in the process.

“I think both teams will go into the game with some confidence and looking for a win,” said Briers.

“We are always confident with the players we have, but we need to put an 80-minute performance together.

“We need to start fast, put our stamp on the game from the get-go and generate a bit of control.”