RETURNING back row forward Ian Spence has issued a warning against complacency as Halifax RUFC prepare to kick off their National Three (North) campaign at home to Preston Grasshoppers on Saturday (3.0).
Spence was a member of the Morley side that tumbled out of this division last season following defeat at the hands of Darlington Mowden Park on the last day of the campaign.
And he has issued a stark warning to his new teamamtes that nothing more than 100 per cent concentration and application will do as they look to consolidate following their own far from graceful fall from the sport's third tier.
"If we go in to the season with the attitude of taking teams for granted then we will come unstuck," warned Spence.
"We have to approach it knowing that it is a tough division and really set our stall out to concentrate, treat teams with respect yet believe in our abilities, because we have to.
"I know this level very well. It is a really competitive league. There are some good teams and it is a high standard of rugby."
Spence returns to Ovenden Park having experienced a small taste of National Two rugby before decamping to Scatcherd Lane.
Now he returns a little older and wiser and looking forward to making a big impact.
"I was here for four or five seasons and really enjoyed my time at Halifax," added Spence. "I also enjoy the division they are in now so it seemed the right time to come back.
"I spoke to Chairman of Rugby Graham Allan and the coaching staff and they welcomed me with open arms.
"I still feel as though I have a lot to offer and I am looking forward to enjoying the challenge.
"I am also looking forward to some good local derbies and, hopefully, they will generate some added interest."
Spence has wasted no time in settling back in and has been impressed with coach Rhys Morgan's summer re-building programme
"I have really enjoyed pre-season so far and I am just now looking forward to having a good season with Halifax," he added. "The squad is shaping up very well. There is a good mixture of old heads and young blood which will hopefully make for a winning combination.
"We need to get out and make a good start and give a good account of ourselves."
- Click here to see the full Halifax RU 2008/09 fixture list
The full article contains 422 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
