Holloway backs team ahead of Launceston clash (From Echo)

Holloway backs team ahead of Launceston clash

9:20am Friday 27th January 2012 in Rugby Union By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND’S head coach Andy Holloway feels things are now starting to click back in to place for his side.

The Seasiders make the long trip to Cornwall this weekend to take on Launceston.

And Holloway is confident of witnessing another good display.

“We’re asking the players to do things slightly differently to what they have been used to over the last couple of years but we’re getting there now,” said Holloway.

“We’re improving all the time and we’re starting to play the way I envisage before the game starts.

“If we keep on taking the chances we’re creating and limit the enforced errors then I’m confident we can start to do well and start beating some good sides too.”

That aim will start against Launceston tomorrow who just one place and two points above ninth placed Southend.

The Seasiders beat them 29-20 at Warners Bridge in October.

And Holloway feels the latest clash between the two sides will be just as close.

“If you look at the league table it proves the teams are evenly matches but we played well against them before and hopefully we can again,” said Holloway.

“Launceston’s strength is their big front five which includes a big front row but in a way that’s also their weakness because they struggle with their mobility.

“They also struggle to last the 80 minutes but it will still be a very hard game.

“Launceston have a really good home record and it will certainly be a test for us.”

Southend look set to name an unchanged starting line-up for the clash, meaning Martin Freeman will again figure on the wing.

Billy Driver will be on the bench having been unavailable for the last three games and he will be joined by the Seasiders’ top try scorer Danny Cleare.

The former Rochford winger returned from a knee injury as a second half replacement against Hertford.

And Holloway is thrilled to have Cleare back in action.

“It’s good to have Danny available again,” said Holloway.

“When he came on last weekend it was a bit scrappy at that stage and he didn’t see much of the ball.

“But hopefully we can get him more involved tomorrow.”