Winstanley demands improvement.

Byline: Ruck Stars

WATERLOO coach Phil Winstanley believes his side will need to step up a gear if they are to achieve their dream of promotion to National League One at the end of the season.

They currently share top spot with today's visitors Esher who have a game in hand.

"There's no doubt that we have got to start performing better than we did at Wharfedale last Saturday," Winstanley explained.

"We have discussed a lot of the problems at training this week and we have got to turn our form around."

The main issue would appear to be the mental approach going into recent games. Last Saturday maximum points were there for the taking, but Waterloo were slow to take advantage and their performance left Winstanley frustrated.

With Moseley also breathing down their necks with a game in hand, today's clash against Esher is as vital as any Waterloo have had all season"We know a little bit about the visitors," Winstanley added. "We have had them watched and are well aware that they are much improved on last season and at this point are undefeated in the league.

"Several of their squad I know from my time at Sale Sharks. Chris Yates is someone to watch - he can be a real handful."

As well as Yates, Esher also have former Sale wingers Matt Moore and Karella Dixon on their books, as well as scrum-half John O'Reilly, who spent time at Manchester.

Waterloo have a number of injury worries and there will be late fitness checks for several of their forwards. Stalwart David Blyth was missing last week but hopes to return today ORRELL travel to Launceston this weekend desperate to get back in action after the frustration of recent weeks.

A fortnight ago they suffered the disappointment of arriving at Halifax only to find that the pitch was rock hard and unplayable.

Last Saturday they were scheduled to take on high-flying Moseley but with the Midlanders still in the Powergen National Trophy they had to sit out once again.

Director of rugby Simon Mason, who has decided not to be in the starting line-up today, hopes the lay off since their impressive win over Barking will not have disturbed their rhythm.

"It is never easy going to the West Country but we have built enough confidence to go down there and get something out of the game," he said.

On their last trip to the South West, Orrell produced a fine display at Redruth and could easily have won.

With Mason opting to sit out, former LSH player Chris Glynn is selected at full-back.

Orrell's recent improvement has stemmed from the pack with coach Mike Howe doing a great job