Morrison proud of Rams youngsters performance in cup defeat

A very young Dewsbury side slipped to a 52-10 defeat tonight (Friday) but Morrison believes there were plenty of positives to take from the game and that amateur rugby league in the area is in a healthy position.

Morrison said: ” We had 14 boys unavailable tonight either cup tied or through injury and we had two young half-backs making their debuts, one who only joined the club last week, so put up that kind of performance against a Warrington side who put 80 points past a Super League side only a few weeks ago, I am very proud of every one of them who took to the field.

“(Wolves coach) Tony Smith came in and asked if he could speak to the boys after. They had watched a lot of our games and were expecting a really tough test and they showed us respect by bringing a full strength side.

“Warrington played some good footy and threw the ball around but for us to keep the score to what we did and to dig deep when they got a roll on shows the character in the squad.”

A number of Reserve team players stepped up to the plate and produced impressive displays and Morrison will look to build on the successful re-launch of the Rams second string.

Morrison added: “The fans wanted a second team and not the dual reg system and we built the structures in the off season to give the young local kids a chance, which has been successful.

“The future of the club is set in place and before my time is done here we will look to develop them.

“James Glover lives in Ossett and came into the club, had two training sessions and has now played against Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup which shows that anything is possible.

“We want the local lads playing for us and thinking this is a great club to come to and that they can be part of the squad and we are already getting people calling us wanting to join for next season.

“There is some real talent in this area and we are happy we have been able to delve into that a little and we will look to build on that.”

Dewsbury now plan for Tuesday’s important Championship clash against Sheffield Eagles at The Keepmoat Stadium and Morrison is hopeful of having some of the inured players back,

He added: “There were probably five or six players who were 50 per cent fit tonight.

“Anthony Thackeray failed a late fitness test but we should, hopefully, have a few players back for what is a big game for us and one we need to win to try and keep pressure on the top four and then there is the Blackpool Bash and a local derby so it doesn’t get any easier.”