Mark Woodrow makes Bees return

Apr 20 2008 By Paul Bolton

MARK Woodrow has given Pertemps Bees a vote of confidence by agreeing to return to Sharmans Cross Road on a three-year contract despite the threat of National Two rugby next season.

The 27-year-old fly-half was the hero of the Bees' stunning Power-gen Cup quarter-final win over Wasps four years ago and has decided to rejoin the club from National One rivals Doncaster.

"It's nice to be back," Woodrow said. "I have some brilliant memories from my first spell with the Bees and I'm looking forward to going back.

"Obviously there is a possibility that we will be playing in National Two next season, but that isn't a problem. If we are then it will be a challenge to make sure that we get back up into National One.

"I've signed a three-year, full-time contract which means that there is some stability for me, but also a commitment to help the club get promotion and get established back in National One.

"But the main thing is that I've got the chance to work with Russell Earnshaw again. I know him from the sevens circuit, but we also had a year playing together at Doncaster and I know that he has got some ambitious plans for the club."

The Bees have also re-signed former Australia sevens international scrum-half Rod Petty from Stourbridge, though his return after a one-year absence is dependent upon him obtaining a British passport.

Back-row forward Rob Connolly, who began the season with Rotherham, has also joined from Irish club Greystones and prop Dale Garner from Sale Jets, the second team of Guinness Premiership club Sale Sharks.

Flanker Adam Clayton has been signed from Exeter and five of the current squad - prop Matt Long, back-rows Andy Daish and Jack Preece, centre Scott Young and utility back Reece Spee - have agreed new deals.