Ashton Bears' Head Coach Neil Ireland Reflects on a Season of Resilience and Growth
Neil Ireland, the head coach of the Ashton Bears, is no stranger to the demands of rugby league. But the recent schedule has tested his team's endurance like never before. After a bruising encounter with Orrell St James, the Bears had to quickly regroup and face Clock Face Miners just 42 hours later.
In my opinion, this rapid turnaround is a testament to the team's resilience and the strength of their squad. Ireland acknowledges the challenge, stating, 'I don't think we've ever had to do that, through junior level or open age level.'
The Bears' response was impressive. They absorbed pressure, fell behind, and then unleashed a devastating run of tries, showcasing their ability to adapt and perform under pressure. This is a key strength of the team, according to Ireland, who notes, 'We're a young, fit team, quick. We played how we wanted to play and then we just went back to back with numerous tries.'
The Bears' left edge has been a source of momentum, with a settled spine and a mix of pace and skill. Ireland highlights the impact of players like Connor Ashley, Conor, Matty Ward, and Danny Hill, who have the pace and ability to finish tries. The calming influence of Tom Hopkins, a long-serving half-back, is also crucial to the team's success.
Despite a slow start to the season, the Bears have climbed the ranks. Ireland reflects on their journey, saying, 'We won at Ince Rose Bridge in May, then had a bad result the week after against Leigh East at home. We got beat by two points and that was a game we should have won, really.' Since then, they've had good wins and close calls, building momentum and confidence.
The Bears are developing a clear identity, fast, youthful, and increasingly confident. Ireland believes they are becoming a force to be reckoned with, stating, 'We’re finding our feet…since that mid part of the season, we’ve just gone from strength to strength.' However, he remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of basics and a strong work ethic.
One of the club's strengths is the steady flow of young players stepping into the open age. Ireland welcomes the competition for places, saying, 'The lads who are playing now, they’ve got the shirts, and it’s up to the players who are coming through to want that shirt.' He wants players to show enthusiasm and the right attitude, pushing themselves to earn a place in the team.
In summary, Neil Ireland's reflections highlight the Bears' resilience, growth, and the importance of a strong squad and a competitive environment. The team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure, coupled with a steady flow of young talent, positions them as a force to be reckoned with in the NCRL North West Conference.
