Peyroux, Peyroux Is On Fire
From the first game of the season, the Saints pack has looked formidable with plenty of eye catching performances, not least from the likes of Luke Thompson and the human dynamo, James Roby. However, if we were going to hand out a ‘Most Improved’ award this honour would no doubt go to second rower Dominique Peyroux.
Whilst not one of the most potent attacking threats in the Saints set up (does he have to be?), Dom has made the second most marker tackles in the squad too & made the third highest number of tackles within the Saints squad – with probably none bigger than the hit he put in on Dom Crosby in Fridays win over Warrington.
Like many players, Peyroux seems to be flourishing under the guidance of Justin Holbrook and has been proving why he was signed for Saints under the previous regime. And whilst Holbrook should rightly be given the plaudits for reinvigorating the squad, plenty of accolades should be given to Peyroux for his endeavour and willingness to work. Well done, Dom.
Supercalifraglistic-LouieMcCarthyScarsbrook
News released by the club yesterday included the announcement that Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook had penned a new 1 year deal to stay in the Redvee. For the past few seasons LMS has been industrious for the Saints, with his image seemingly tarnished by having the ignominy of being the Saints most penalised player back in 2015.
LMS epitomises team spirit at Saints, and while many won’t like his continual high fives and rabble rouser antics, these would be the same people moaning if the players stood round as if they’d met each other in the car park an hour before the game. He also manages to get under the skin of opposition players and fans, in the pantomime villain role, for no other reason than being a team player who likes a chat.
We asked via Twitter if Louie deserved his contract extension and received a resoundingly positive response, which echoes our feelings. Let’s hope his current form continues all through his time at Saints.
Royal Blood
After the club being gracious hosts to Redvee TV earlier this season, it’s heartening to hear Blackbrook Open Age have dismissed talk of folding. It’s important for the town that Brook have a strong presence, not least because they have regularly provided players for St. Helens over the years. Rumours of their demise have been brushed off by the club – and it’s correct to say they are flourishing in youth rugby. Hopefully they can join the NWML as soon as possible and continue their rivalries across town.
It’s a bit early to lament rugby league dying across the town, just because Blackbrook may find themselves in a bit of recruitment lull. Pilkington Recs (a traditional rival of Brook) are in the 4th round of the Challenge Cup, whilst Thatto Heath regularly get 70 potential players at training sessions.
The WA12 Rugby League Show (Monday evenings, 6pm – 8pm on wa12radio.net or catch up on Mixcloud) had a great interview with Blackbrook coach Ant Walker on March 5th and covered how he got into rugby, about retirement, his future in the game and how he could have been a top level swimmer. But the most telling part of the interview was how between age group rugby and open age the numbers dwindle. Hopefully with a bit of a recruitment drive, Blackbrook will find their feet and become a force in the town once again.