Scholey and Ritson to stay at Workington

Workington Town have confirmed that two players have signed new deals which will keep them at the club for the 2017 season.

Thai international winger Theerapol Ritson is one of those players, and Town director of rugby Les Ashe is delighted that the threequarter is staying put.

“Tee had a fantastic 2016 season and quickly cemented his place as a Town regular last year,” he said.

“Our aims as a club are to build a team around local players and a good mix of experience and youth.

“Tee is a great player to have in the team on and off the field. He is lightning fast, good defensively and a willing learner.

“He is very level headed and put in some stand out performances last season. We had to move quickly to re-sign Tee and I’m glad that he bought into the club’s aims for the future.”

Ritson himself is pleased to have the chance to develop his career for another season at the club.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Workington since I signed,” he said.

“My game has improved steadily over my time here and since I joined from Cumbria Academy I have been able to learn from some great players.

“Last year was a difficult year but Les talked to me about the club’s desire to build a primarily locally based side. Town are my hometown side and I ‘m really looking forward to the new season.”

The other player who will be at the club in 2017 is ex BARLA international prop Steve Schole, who joined the club from community side Maryport ahead of the 2016 season.

“We are extremely pleased that Stevie has decided to stay with us,” said Ashe.

“He is always on the front line and never shirks from his task. He carries the ball well and is as tough as they come.

“We are delighted that he has decided his future lies with Workington. The signing is a demonstration of our strategy of building a locally based team for 2017.”

Scholey is excited by the club’s decision to use mainly local talent in 2017.

“I want to be part of the push for promotion next season,” he said.

“The directors have an ambition to recruit a mix of semi-pro and amateur players. As someone who recently signed from the amateur game.

“I welcome that and I hope that some good local players will join us as we push for promotion.”