Kingstone Press League 1 preview: South Wales Scorpions v Oldham

Mike Grady, the coach of South Wales Scorpions saw some good signs in his side’s defeat against London Skolars last week.

“It was a game for the taking for both sides,” he said.

“London just made less mistakes and played the smarter rugby but in the first 20 minutes we were outstanding. We were 6-0 up and the boys did everything I asked of them and then we just went away from it.

“We need to build on that 20 minutes I suppose and give it a good go against Oldham, which is going to be tough. I’ve got to prepare the boys as best as possible and keep asking them to give it 100 per cent and see what happens.”

A midweek iPro Sport Cup semi-final defeat by North Wales Crusaders followed by a League 1 win over Coventry Bears on Sunday tested the resources of the Oldham squad, according to coach Scott Naylor.

“To be honest it’s been a bit strange for our lads,” he said.

“We didn’t play two games over Easter and we’re not used to playing midweek games so it’s been something different for them.

“Obviously it’s not been easy, but I managed to use my squad up against Coventry, so everybody played either Wednesday or Sunday and it shows that we’ve got a squad that can play in this division.”

On Sunday his side face their longest away trip of the season.

“The journey is probably one of the main factors,” he said.

“It’s the mental thing of travelling for so long, then getting there and having to play rugby at that kind of level. It’s something we speak about and focus on.

“We try and make it as easy and as comfortable as possible. When you get there you’ve got to forget about it and get on with why you’re there, which is to win a game of rugby.

“I’ve got a fully fit squad. I had six regular first team lads who did not play on Sunday so I’ve got some decisions to make for the game against South Wales.”