By Jonathan B Geddes

WEST Harbour Pirates have reacted to their disappointing start to the Shute Shield by sacking their experienced head coach Phil Blake midseason.

In a statement the club said Ben Rutherford will replace Blake as the new first grade coach and Mark Gudmunson has taken the newly created position of Club Coach.

At the halfway point of the season, the Pirates are sitting second last on the ladder with one win from their first nine games and sit four points clear of Southern Districts.  

Blake’s sudden departure came after they won their first game last start, defeating  Souths 31-26 at Forshaw Rugby Park.

“Ben joined us as First Grade Forwards Coach last year with impressive experience including time with Sydney Uni, Randwick and the Australian Rugby Union Academy,” Wests’ statement said.

“Under his watch our forwards have been a shining light in a tough season and he has proved himself to be a strong leader with all the attributes required to step up and lead our First Grade team.

“Mark is a club legend and former First Grade Coach and will leverage his deep experience to mentor Ben and the wider coaching team.

“As part of these changes Phil Blake’s time with the club has come to an end and we thank him for the contribution he’s made during his time at the club.”

The statement said the club was confident “that these changes and the hard work already done will lead to improved performance by First Grade in the second half of the season and beyond.”

They said first grade performances aside, the club is continuing to get stronger with improved ladder positions in other grades and colts “and a lot of positive things happening off the field.”

One newcomer who has proved been a success this season is Romanian Test hooker Rob Iramescu, who was recruited by Blake and is current first grade skipper.    

Blake is the former rugby league superstar who build an impressive rugby coaching portfolio before being appointed Pirates’ coach this season.

He was Wallabies’ skills and defensive coach under Robbie Deans. Blake was also the Western Force defensive and skills coach before acting as interim head coach when Richard Graham departed during the 2012 season.

He has twice been head coach of the Manly Marlins, head coach of the North Harbour Rays in the NPC and defence coach for Leicester Tigers in the English premiership.             

Club president Lloyd Mills declined to comment on the coaching situation.

West Harbours’ first game under their new coaching regime is against Sydney University at University Oval on Saturday.