Local Rugby League: London North-West Rugby League - Unbeaten start for Hampstead' - Top-three finish 'realistic', says coach Ali Halsall
Published: 23 September 2010
by STEVE BARNETT
HAMPSTEAD coach Ali Halsall believes that the title race is wide open following his teams unbeaten start in Division Two of the London North-West Rugby League.
Off the back of a successful season last year that saw Hampstead finish fourth, Halsall and new captain Phil Vaneesbeck are confident that they have what it takes to go one step further this time around and secure promotion.
The squad has been boosted with a sting of new arrivals, including lock Ed Crowley, fullback Ben Saviger-Jones and prop Pete Ward, while experienced duo James Smith and Andy Levett return to the club after missing last season.
After beating UCS Old Boys 24-18 and drawing 23-23 with West London, Halsall said: “Any one of three or four teams could win the league this year. It’s wide open. We’re looking for a top-three finish, which is a realistic ambition given the wealth of talented players that have joined the squad this season. As a club, our goal is to build on last year’s successes and become a dominant force at all levels.”
The summer has also brought changes for Hampstead off the pitch, with the club introducing a new junior section in a bid to
develop a feeder program-me. Additionally the club is looking to run two women’s teams. Visit www.hampsteadrugbyclub.co.uk for more details.