BARLA U23 TEST SIDE ANNOUNCED

Unison BARLA under 23s final Ukraine test side announced

Head coach of the Unison BARLA under 23s Kevin Thompson has announced his team that will face the Ukraine national representative side in the final test of the Ukraine tour. Wigan St Cuthberts stand off Jamie Dallimore will lead the GB team out this afternoon as they look to put the disappointment of losing the Artur Martirosyan memorial competition by a drop goal to Moscow Vereya on Sunday.

On naming the 17 men who will represent BARLA assistant coach Alfie Hill said
“I think most of the players have had good performances, it’s been very difficult to name the team for today. They’re all quality players and it’s unfortunate that only 17 players get to play today. We’ve discussed at length every position and reasons why we have gone for this team,obviously we’re going to have to disappoint some lads. I’m sure the lads who have been picked will go out and do the job and finish this tour on a high.

Having put the frustration of losing his 100% coaching record with the under 23s head coach Kevin Thompson explained what difficulties he had in finalising his team for the last game of the tour saying
“This squad was picked to play two test matches and a nines competition. We slightly overloaded with backs and left ourselves a little bit short on forwards. When it then came to light that it was then a 13 a side competition I don’t think we would have brought 4 wingers if would have known all the games would be 13 a side. We’ve tried to get everybody enough game time but that too has been very difficult. What I’ve tried to do is at least get everybody playing in one for the 13 a side test matches, and nearly all have achieved that. I few missed out on that but it was impossible to do so with the squad we had assembled.
To me the bench is extremely important that we have some players on there that are able to play in a varied number of positions if needed and I think today’s bench reflects that.
I think we have a strong team, a good blend of player and the personnel to win this all important test match and finish the tour on a positive.

BARLA U23s Team to face Ukraine :
22 Shaun Quinn (Thatto Heath Crusaders)
12 Andy Groves (Leigh East)
14 Gavin Hunter (Leigh East)
21 Leigh Rientoul (York Acorn)
17 Sam Jones (Barrow Island)
5 Jamie Dallimore (Wigan St Cuthberts)
8 Timmy Elliott (York Acorn)
19 Dave Lowery (Kells)
1 Aiden Bowden (Oulton Raiders)
18 Ben Kendall (Siddal)
16 Dave Johnson (Thatto Heath Crusaders)
7 Jamie Dodds (Eastmoor Dragons)
13 Tom Hill (York Acorn)
Subs
2 Leon Brennan (Leigh Miners Rangers)
23 Steve Talbot (Thornhill Trojans)
9 Lee Fewlass (Myton Warriors)
11 Scott Green (Thornhill Trojans)

Jamie Hobbs
Unison BARLA GB under 23s Media Manager