Change of fortunes for Scunthorpe Rugby Union Club could be just around the corner

CENTRE Oli Wood is confident Scunthorpe RUFC's positive performance against Ampthill last weekend will prove to be a turning point in his side's struggling season.

But the hard-working back concedes the fact it may not be enough to save the Greens from relegation from the National League 'rubs salt into the wounds'.

For an hour, Scunthorpe were more than a match for a side that had won 18 times in 20 matches. They scored a try in the opening minutes and were level at 14-14 at half-time.

And though the final scoreline was 43-14 to the visitors, Wood says the spirit Scunthorpe showed against the side second in the table is a must as they attempt to overhaul a 15-point gap to safety.

"Individually and as a team we all know we can play like that and turn teams over," said the 19-year-old.

"On the day it's just about whether or not we turn up.

"Once we'd done it on Saturday I think we proved to ourselves, 'yes, we can actually do this', but it rubs salt in the wounds because it makes you think, 'why haven't we done it previously?'.

"I don't know what the difference was at the weekend, though maybe now me and some of the lads are really realising that it's now or never.

"Syston are 15 points clear of us now and while I know we've got what looks a good run of games, none of them are easy, especially when you get to this stage of the season.

"There's six games left, so a possible 30 points.

"We've got to win at least three with a maximum points haul and hope Syston, who've got a tough run-in, struggle.

"We just have to focus on ourselves really. If we focus on getting the full five points, we've got a chance – you should never say never.

"I still think we can do it."

As well as seeing Scunthorpe's fortunes pick up, Wood, a business studies student at the University of Northumbria, is hoping he can also finish the season with a flourish.

His failure to score a single try in 2012/13 is a big frustration – and a scenario he is keen to rectify, with Saturday's trip to Broadstreet the perfect place to start.

"I think my season is similar to what the team have had. It's not been great," he conceded.

"I haven't scored once all season, which for a centre isn't great, and I haven't really had any injuries. What I'm trying to say is I've got no excuses.

"But I also don't think we've scored that many as a team compared to previously.

"There's been a lot of changes and new people coming in, so obviously new partnerships have had to be formed, which takes time.

"One thing which hasn't helped personally is the fact I've not been able to train at university, so my fitness hasn't always been there. I've struggled maybe a bit at times.

"I almost feel like I'm getting into my prime now, but it's a bit too late."

Saturday's game at Broadstreet will actually be played in neighbouring Rugby, at the home of Rugby Lions, as the Coventry club have other engagements at their home ground.

Wood is hoping it can act as a leveller.

"I'm not sure it gives us an advantage, but maybe it takes away their advantage," he added.

"Wherever we play, as long as we go into it with the attitude we had last week I really do think this will be the turning point.

"We wanted to be going to Broadstreet with confidence and I know for a fact me and the lads will go there genuinely, hand on heart, knowing we can win, as long as we go for it and play how we can play."