RICK Jones is positive about what he is seeing from his Wilmslow Wolves players despite watching them slump to a ninth successive defeat.

High-flying Blaydon were their latest visitors in the Northern Premier and they returned to Tyneside having secured a 38-5 victory.

Wolves are rooted to the foot of the division and were dealt a further blow by news that fellow strugglers Vale of Lune and Kendal both won on Saturday to pull clear, with Wilmslow now four points behind the former.

However, head coach Jones remains confident that his side can raise their game to get themselves out of trouble and avoid being relegated straight back down to the North One West.

“Whatever the outcome this season, I want them to relish and enjoy the challenge of rugby at this level,” he said.

“At times we’ve shown that we can be competitive.

“If our players make the commitment, work hard in training and we make the most of what we’ve got, then we could yet cause some upsets and start to win a few games.

“Our fellow strugglers both won this weekend against more fancied opposition.

“If they can lift their game to do it, then there’s no reason why we can’t also.”

By running in four tries in the first 25 minutes, Blaydon effectively had the game sewn up before the break as well as a bonus point.

Wolves’ only score of the game came in the second half, which was much more of a contest.

A well-executed set piece opened up space for MacCallum to run around and score in the corner, although the conversion was missed.

They never threw in the towel and they created chances to reduce the deficit further.

However, their efforts proved immaterial as the visitors ended the game with six tries.

Despite the one-sided nature of the scoreline, Jones feels things may have been different had they not been on the end of some harsh calls from the officials.

“When you’re at the bottom of the league, you just don’t get the rub of the green from refereeing decisions,” he said.

“Marginal calls, such as two supposed forward passes, always seem to go against you.

“It’s always been the same for struggling teams.”

Wilmslow are at home again on Saturday as they welcome Ilkley to the Memorial Ground.