Eton Manor prepare to welcome Letchworth Garden City to New Wilderness on Saturday

Eton Manor were dealt a huge blow this week when it was confirmed talented winger Michael Eghan has suffered a broken leg, but head coach Jamie Connors has called on his team to move on by defeating Letchworth Garden City in London One North on Saturday.

Manor’s only loss of the campaign was at Legends Lane against Letchworth in December.

And with just three matches left this season it is imperative they continue their excellent form at the New Wilderness this weekend and secure another win.

“We have got – I wouldn’t say payback – but a good bit of motivation to beat them,” said Connors.

Ilford Recorder: Michael Eghan runs in a try for Eton Manor against Ipswich (pic: Martin Pearl)Michael Eghan runs in a try for Eton Manor against Ipswich (pic: Martin Pearl) (Image: Archant)

“Letchworth beat us at their place last time (17-11) and we didn’t really turn up until the last 10 or 20 minutes that day.

“We know it will be a tough challenge and we need to front up from the start and get a good 60, 70 or even 80-minute performance under our belts.

“It is hard to beat us at home and we have a proud record, so the boys are looking forward to our second from last home game of the year.”

Manor will be without Eghan for the rest of the season after he was forced off injured during the 32-0 success against Luton last weekend.

He had surgery on Tuesday and Connors was set to visit him yesterday (Thursday).

And although he conceded it is a big blow, he is hoping someone else can take his place and pick up the baton. Connors added: “Obviously we are pretty gutted and the boys are as well.

“Unfortunately it is one of those things and someone else will get an opportunity now.

“Michael has been a big part of the team and still is. It is very much a team game rugby, so while he has scored a lot of tries, he is not the only part of this team.

“We need to move on quite quickly and draw a line because there are plenty of guys that are more than capable of stepping in.”

Jack Pike replaced Eghan against Luton last week and marked his debut with a try.

Reece Reed, Tryson Goodchild, Eghan and Pete Bicknell all crossed over in the emphatic win.

Manor were 22-0 ahead at the break and Connors was pleased with the victory and Pike’s display.

He added: “It was good for Jack and it has happened all throughout the season. When guys have been injured or away, another person has had an opportunity and tended to step up and take it.

“Jack did well and he made a really good contribution. Getting a try for himself was probably the icing on the cake.

“It was good to keep Luton to nil too, they are a pretty good side and it is a tough place to play.”