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Saints in gruelling training schedule in Browns |
In
the end of January, Browns Sport and Leisure Club had the pleasure of accommodating
guests St Helens rugby league team from the English super league. |
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Their honours include
Grand Final winners 1999, 2000, 2002 and
World Cup Championship 2001. |
 Amongst
the many well known athletes in the team at Browns there was the “man
of Steel” award winner Paul Sculthorpe, as well as Britain´s
international and Saints top scorer Sean Long.
“I feel it is essential as it helps us to find where we need to
be for the start of the season and where we want to be at the end of the season, “ said
coach Ian Millward at the beginning of the training camp.
“The benefits
we expect to gain are in the final areas that we need to focus on. Due to the
better conditions in the weather here in Portugal, we can walk, talk and practice
much more.”
Ian described why pre-season training camps are an essential
tool for team cohesion especially for the two new recent Samoan signings and
academy youngsters:
 “We work hard and it creates the culture and work ethos
for the up-coming season. Also interacting on a 24 hour basis gives the players
and coaching staff a chance to become closer as a team unit.”
Ian felt training was progressing well as “The
playing field surface is excellent, the gym is great as is the accommodation
and with all the training facilities close together it is a help."
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 Amongst
the many well known athletes in the team, BSLC had
the pleasure to catch up with the leagues highest try scorer Sean Long.
BSLC: How are you finding this weeks training in Portugal at Browns Sports facilities.
SL: This week couldn’t be better!!
The facilities are excellent here at Browns. The grass pitch is fabulous, the
gym, the quality of accommodation, the service of the staff have provided us
with perfect conditions in order to train and work which we couldn’t find
in England at this time of the year. This has enabled us to complete intensive
training on the grass pitch, which is fundamental to gain the right start for
the new season.
BSLC: What are the team’s principle objectives for the coming season?
SL: Our team always play
to win and so for the next season, the objective is to win the two major competitions
we participate in: The Super League and The Challenge Cup.
BSLC: Which team do expect the most challenge to come from?
SL: It’s not necessary to say that
Bradford Bulls represent of course the biggest threat but there are others that
we have to be aware of like Wigan Warriors, who are a very young and talented
team. This year we have to be more consistent with our form and not be surprised
by some of the smaller lesser known clubs.
BSLC: How long do you expect to represent St Helens?
SL: I have 4 years remaining on my contract with the Saints and I am
very pleased to be a member of a talented team like this one. I hope to fulfil
my contract and help the team conquer more titles in the future.
BSLC:What are your personal goals?
SL: Obviously to represent my country is
my number one priority and I am working hard towards that as there are many good
players in the same position as me like Paul Deacon from Bradford Bulls but I
am confident I will achieve this goal this season.
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World Champions Bulls charge into 2005 !
Browns Swimming Club at Portinado Swim Meet March 2004
