Coach throws down challenge (From Free Press Series)

Coach throws down challenge

SUDBROOK banished the memories of the previous week's defeat against Newport with a convincing win against Premiership strugglers Pontypridd on Saturday. And now player-coach Mark O'Leary has challenged his men to win at least four of their remaining six games and end the season with a bang.

Damian Forder's precision bowling coupled with some consistent batting from Stephen Phillips, Chris Archer, Ross Lewis, Rob Volk and Kel Stephens paved the way to a comfortable 74-run win.

Forder's four wickets for 43 helped condemn Pontypridd to 179 all out despite the presence of Glamorgan batsman John Hughes who was bowled out by Carl Morgan.

Archer's 48 was the highlight of Sudbrook's consistent innings as the Deepweir side posted 253-6 in a much-improved batting display following the Newport defeat.

"We batted poorly against Newport and we needed to change that around. We went a big way in achieving that against Pontypridd. I still think there is room for improvement, but the boys did really well," said O'Leary.

"We've got six games left and if we can win four of five of them I would be happy. I think this side is well capable of achieving that," he added.

Sudbrook are near enough certain of their Premiership status for next season sitting comfortably in mid-table. Four wins could rocket them into a possible fifth place finish if other results go their way.

O'Leary knows only too well that he can do nothing to influence those other games though and has urged his side to just concentrate on their own form.

"We've got another potentially tough game this Saturday against Pentyrch. It doesn't matter that they are below us.

"I've said this time and time again, but it's true, any side in this league is capable of beating another.

"We can not rest against them. They've got some experienced players and we have to be mindful of how good they could be.

"We know we're good enough to win, but we must not get sloppy," warned O'Leary. Saturday's match starts at Pentyrch at 1pm.