JARRAD HAYLER was pleased to be back in Plymouth Albion’s team for their narrow 12-9 victory at Wharfedale on Saturday.
The 20-year-old, who began the season as Albion’s first choice open-side flanker, had not started a match for the club since the end of September due to playing for the Royal Navy and his work duties as a serving Royal Marine.
In his absence, Albion signed Sam Matavesi, who has worn the number seven shirt for the last two matches, but Hayler switched to six on Saturday, with Nile Dacres moving to the second-row to fill in for the absence of Ed Holmes.
“It was horrible conditions but it was brilliant to be back in the team,” said Hayler after Albion’s win in heavy rain and gale-force winds in North Yorkshire.
“I love playing with the boys, this is where I want to be playing my rugby.
“Coming back to work and doing evenings does not do me any favours in getting back into the team, but it’s just one of those things.”
Hayler admitted it was very tough playing at Wharfedale as the north of England was battered by Storm Desmond.
“The conditions did not help anyone,” he said. “There were mistakes from everyone. It was a very difficult game, but I’m very, very happy we came away with a win.”
He added: “When you are dealing with winds where you can kick from one try line to the other and then the other way you can’t even kick five metres from your try line, it is very difficult.
“It was not ideal to play rugby, but you have to play the conditions on the day.
“It is always difficult going away, especially as far as that, so we were just so happy to get a win and it was just so great to be back with the boys.”