Last updated at 13:46, Thursday, 21 February 2013

Workington Town prop Jamie Thackray admitted that frustration is getting to him following the 26-4 defeat at Doncaster last weekend.

Jamie Thackray

But the experienced former Hull star, who picked up a Challenge Cup winners medal with the Airlie Birds in 2005, is confident that his Town team-mates have what it takes to compete well in the Championship, if they bide their time.

“We’re making easy metres, breaking the line and getting into great positions,” said Thackray.

“The effort and the commitment is there but we are trying to rush things when we get to their line. There’s no problem getting down to the other end of the field but people have to start working a lot harder for each other when we get there.

“We’re not miles off but it’s frustrating,” added Thackray who pointed out four times that Town could have scored before the Dons had a point on the board.

“I reckon we could have got a lot more out of the Halifax game had we been a bit more patient too. We’ve a big, strong and fit side capable of doing a lot better than we did at Doncaster. But, saying that, had we taken our chances, we could have won the game 26-4 instead of them.”

Reigning Championship champions Sheffield Eagles are the visitors to Derwent Park on Sunday (3pm ko), and Thackray is relishing the challenge.

“I wasn’t happy with my game and mouthing off at the ref game them a few penalties. That was due to the frustration and knowing we could be doing a lot better,” he said.

“I felt as though I let the side down but the result might also be a blessing in disguise.

“We played Sheffield in the Northern Rail Cup last year and, with a weaker side, did well and we were 14-0 up at half-time.

They’re a very good side who have been together for a few years now, and they have gelled. That’s what we have to work on. We are a very young side with some very good players,” added Thackray.

“If we can learn our lessons from the Doncaster game we can give Sheffield a very good game on Sunday. But, if we make mistakes or fail to take our chances, we will be punished by the Eagles.”

First published at 11:57, Thursday, 21 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk