In-form Fylde flanker Toby has Tykes in his sights
AFTER derailing their title pursuit last season, in-form Fylde are chomping at the bit ahead of their meeting with title favourites Leeds Tykes next month.
Fylde were well beaten in two of their opening three outings but hit form heading into this weekend, with three consecutive bonus point victories.
The 6ft 1in, 16st 7lbs openside Toby Harrison has been one of the standouts this season utilising his stocky frame, and the 26-year-old is revelling in his surroundings.
He told The Rugby Paper: “It’s a real healthy environment. There’s loads of new lads in this year and they’ve all bought in and the vibe just keeps improving. I feel like we’re in a really good spot environment-wise because everyone’s confident and training’s good.
“From where we were from the start of the year at Sheffield away to where we are now, I feel like we’re in a much better position.
“We’re really starting to gel together well and kick on. We’re only going to get better, you can see week in, week out that we’re improving. Little things here and there are sticking.
“I’d say my biggest strength is my physicality. I feel like I’m quite a physical player as I carry well and tackle hard. My biggest work is my set-piece in terms of line-outs, but I also want to get more jackals as well, as at the minute I’m struggling to get turnovers.”
Fylde secured a 33-26 victory away at Sheffield Tigers last weekend, with Harrison, who went the full 80, outlining to his squad that they shouldn’t downplay the win considering how difficult a place Dore Moor is to visit.
He added: “It’s always a tough place to go, Sheffield Tigers. I’ve only ever managed to win there once before, so I made sure the lads knew what an achievement it is to go there and get a win.”
Leeds looked to be storming to the National Two North title last season but were pipped to the post by Rotherham Titans, who are now flying in the third tier.
Fylde put a huge dent in Leeds’ promotion charge in the penultimate round, beating them 18-15. Harrison enjoyed that victory but knows Pete Seabourne’s side will be seeking revenge on November 23.
“There’s so many good teams this year, every week is a tough game,” added Harrison. “It’s going to be really tight at the top. Leeds are unbeaten at the minute but we feel like we can beat them. We’re really excited for that. Last year we beat them at home so we know they’re going to be gunning for us when they come here. National Two North is such an enjoyable league to play in.”
Harrison believes the sky is the limit for his Fylde side that he thinks can beat any of their title rivals on their day.
He said: “Long-term, we want to play as high as we possibly can. We don’t have a position in mind but we’re confident we can beat any opposition put in front of us. We want to push for promotion.”
