MANCHESTER Phoenix suffered a blow to their play-off preparations when they lost British forward Jack Watkins for the weekend’s games. Jack suffered an injury on Sunday which required minor surgery.

The club will assess the situation to see if he could make the finals should they qualify from their games against Bracknell Bees this weekend.

Phoenix spokesman Jim Piper said: “All at Manchester Phoenix wish Jack a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in Phoenix colours soon.”