Thursday 1st April 2021
his week we caught up with coach Liam Braithwaite to get his thoughts on how he thinks his side is doing after their first training session back.
How do you feel your time in charge has gone so far?
So far my time in charge has been good there has been a positive attitude from all the lads and they are really eager to get back. I'm proud of their enthusiasm and commitment throughout the lock down, I’m really excited for the upcoming season.
We know you’ve been working very hard behind the scenes, what are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m obviously looking forward to getting back on the field in the pirates Jersey, it’s been a long 3 years since pirates last played and its been missed massively by us and people in the town. So to get a team back going again is massive, hopefully it will be a successful season to build a future for the club.
With us being a new side as such, what are your aims and expectations for this season?
On paper we are looking to have a strong and experienced side, there is obviously some fitness issues but a few hard weeks of training will get us into shape and help our match fitness. I like to compete and play to win so for our first season back I'd love for us to be in the title race and aim to bring silverware back to the club.
How do you feel the first training session after lockdown went?
I honestly can't fault the lads, they all show so much pride and effort. Our first session was a decent turn out we had 26 lads down it was a good blow out from the lockdown period. They were all showing that they haven't lost the ball skills and communication, which I feel is 2 of the key parts of playing rugby.
Bit of fun..
Best player you’ve played with?
This is really hard one. I've been blessed to play with some quality players over the years but I think I'll have to go with Kriss Brining from when I was on scholarship at York City Knights, he's a quality player, very strong, very quick and extremely skillful, he’s got probably one of the best ‘rugby brains’ I’ve seen on a player.
And last your your favourite rugby memory?
My favourite memory has to be the Scarborough pirates vs Hunslet parkside division 1 final. The whole day from start to finish was a surreal experience and can hopefully replicate that in years to come.