Fylde RFC boss praises duo for their performances

The prop’s progression from Vandals to first XV came with an appearance off the bench when they made the trip to Darlington Mowden Park in mid-March.

Assad’s call-up for that match came with Fylde missing 17 players through a combination of injuries and unavailability.

Having replaced Oli Tripper with a little more than half-an-hour to play, he impressed the joint-head coach with his display as Fylde ran out 52-38 winners: only their second win in 10 visits to Darlington.

Briers told the Gazette: “Tristan did great, he came through when we needed someone to fill that position.

“It’s a big ask to jump up a level and play in a front row because some of the other positions are a bit more forgiving.

“There’s no hiding place in the front row when you’re playing people who have played at a decent level.

“He proved he was up to the task, he did really well and we were pleased for him; you could see he was keen and looking forward to getting on the pitch.”

Another welcome sight for the Fylde coaching team that afternoon was the return of Sam Stott, who made his first appearance in three months.

He teamed up in the centre with Dan Slawson and gave those watching a reminder of his capabilities.

Briers added: “Someone like Sam, Darlington couldn’t handle him with his ball carrying inside.

“He’s one of the best at securing it and getting you on the front foot.

“We give him the ball and you know, nine times out of 10, he’ll do exactly what you’re looking for him to do.”

Elsewhere, Fylde have confirmed the postponement of this Saturday’s planned match at the Woodlands.

The club had been due to host a game between the OAKS – the alumni association of former Arnold, King Edward VII and Queen Mary Schools students – and the invitational team, the Anti-Assassins.

It has been called off because the Anti-Assassins have been unsuccessful in recruiting sufficient players for it to go ahead.