Year Summary 2004
Scunthorpe returned to Midlands 1 after two years of National league rugby with a confident and experienced squad, but still realistic about prospects for promotion. New Head Coach, Liam Waldron, promoted from the successful Colts team, was under no illusion that the league was now much stronger than when the Greens last gained promotion, and, with younger players replacing some of the old hands, a top 6 finish was the target, together with a good Cup run.
After a promising start, results started going against Scunthorpe, with a string of defeats, including the first home league match at the previously impregnable Heslam Park. By mid-December, following an early exit from the cup, Scunthorpe were languishing near the bottom of the table, in seeming danger of relegation. All the time, however, coach Waldron was working with the team, trying to adapt the playing style to the strengths of the squad. Eventually, the hard work paid off, as did the investment in the younger players the previous season. From the middle of December, the Greens went on a remarkable run of 15 wins from 16 matches, which saw them climb to third place in the final league table and culminated in an impressive win in the 3 Counties' Cup Final.
The younger players performed well above expectations and provide an excellent platform for the future. Praise must also go to the returning Andy Fish, as much for his input in coaching as on the field, but particularly to inspirational captain Phil Sidebottom, who will continue to lead the Greens in the new season.
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