Down and out but what an experience for Dave

Last updated 13:21, Friday, 14 November 2008

WORKINGTON Town coach Dave Rotheram saw his Scottish side go down to Tonga in their final World Cup game last week but he is bringing home some good memories of the competition.

But the Scotland assistant coach was disappointed with the final result in the group game.

He said: "The game against Tonga was a big dissapointment to us. Without wanting to make excuses for the players they got just two days recovery after the Fiji game.

"Thursday was spent travelling 1,500 miles and friday we attempted to train in 40 degrees of heat.

"Come kick off time on Saturday it had cooled down - to 36 degrees!!"

But he is still thinking of Derwent Park, as certain similarities began to appear.

He added: "After Sydney, Rockhampton was like going to play a game in Workington. A small outpost town where the locals are mad on Rugby League.

"They reckon that people drove up to six hours to come and see the game.

"There was a sell out crowd of 6,000, the majority of whom arrived two hours before kick off and stayed two hours after!

"It was a great atmosphere and of the three games we played generated the best atmosphere."

Rotheram is hopeful that England can get the better of New Zealand today and bag themselves a spot in the final but says they are having it tough from the press over there.

"England play NZ in Brisbane today and the Aussie media are still savage on the England team," he said.

"I believe they have a good game in them this week - I hope we see an England v Australia final."

And while he has been over there Scotland was not the only team he has taken time out to watch.

He added: "My family and I attended the Ireland v Fiji game at the Gold Coast stadium on Monday night. After a close first half I thought Ireland would go away with it. But inspired by Jarred Hayne Fiji never looked threatened and were worthy winners."

Now Dave can enjoy the rest of his holiday and return back to Derwent Park refreshed and with plenty of new ideas.