Mark Wilson could come of age
Nov 7 2009 by Nick Purewal, The Journal
Bates was an interested spectator in last weekend’s National One derby at Tynedale Park, impressed with Wilson’s breakdown scavenging.
But while he was pleased with what he saw in Corbridge, he revealed he has been more heartened by Wilson’s efforts behind the scenes at Kingston Park. “What we’ve seen in Mark is a very, very powerful player, very impressive,” enthused Bates, excited to hand Wilson a chance at something nearing Premiership level against Worcester.
“He’s done a really good job in A-team rugby where the pace is a bit higher, he’s done really well in training and this is an opportunity for us to say look, this is a bit of a reward for all the time and effort you’ve put in.
“We need to make some judgements about whether or not he’s somebody we need to keep a close eye on for the future.
“Obviously A team rugby is back, but we don’t get that many opportunities to give players the chance to see more of what it’s like in the Premiership.
“In a way he has played and trained probably more impressively perhaps than he played against Tynedale because I think he’ll thrive playing with better players.
“I hope he sees this as a great opportunity just to concentrate on what he’s doing, let everybody else concentrate on their job and then he can flourish.
“I’m very optimistic about what he’ll do and really looking forward to seeing him play.”
Wilson’s two-week sabbatical leaves Blaydon light in the back-row department.
But rugby director Tom Rock said he will always help his players onto the highest possible level.
“Obviously Mark will be a miss for us for the two weeks, but I’m delighted for him and hope he takes his chance,” said the proud Blaydon player-coach.
“We would never stand in anyone’s way and we were more than happy to let him have a crack.”
NEWCASTLE FALCONS: T Catterick, D Williams, A Tait, G Bobo, U Oduoza, R Miller, H Charlton (capt), L Ovens, A Walker, M Ward, F Levi, M Sorenson, P Browne, M Wilson, A Balding. Replacements: R Vickers, G Shiells, K Brookes, T Swinson, J Afu, C Pilgrim, T Biggs, C Amesbury.
