Rugby: Steel ready for return to action

Dec 5 2012 by Paul Thomson, East Kilbride News

East Kilbride Rugby Club coach Allan Steel admits his side will be ‘thin on numbers’ for this weekend’s clash with Helensburgh, the side he helped beat in his first game at the helm.

The Torrance House side claimed a 22-17 win away from home in September and Steel is prepared for Helensburgh’s revenge mission when they come calling on Saturday afternoon.

Steel, who saw his side trip to Irvine called off on Saturday, said: “I have fond memories of the Helensburgh game and it was good for me to start with a win, but we know they will be out for revenge.

“They were expected to beat us last time and we caused a bit of a shock.

“We’ve not played since the start of November because of the Scotland Tests and along the way there’s been a few who have been struggling for fitness. Stevie Lannon is a doubt for Saturday and Callum Simpson and Ally Dalgleish are unavailable for us, so we will be a bit thin on numbers.

“But the good news is Paul Rosie is coming back next week after being away with the navy, so that’s a positive for us and we can maybe use him in the next game.

“It was disappointing not to play on Saturday after so long out and I just hope the weather holds off this week so we can play a couple of games before the Christmas break.”

Kick-off on Saturday at Torrance House is 1pm.