They are a very nice club, and I think they’d admit if they’d been able to sustain the level of their better performances, they’d be safe.
But they’ve had good and bad days – as we have – and unfortunately they’ve had more of the latter, meaning we lose them at the end of the season.
However, I commend their approach to recruitment this season, relying less on loan players.
Part of the responsibility we all have as clubs is to develop local players – whether they come all the way from Minis or latterly neighbours – it’s something all National One clubs should aspire to.
Full marks to Leicester for doing it.
‘Things will get better!’
We suffered our heaviest defeat in 10 years at Plymouth Albion last week, which took me back to Bishop’s Stortford in 2016.
It was Ladies’ Day, they played in pink and destroyed us.
After I congratulated one of their forwards after the game, he said: “You got us on a bad day because we can’t afford to play badly in this kit!”
Fortunately, the loss came after six straight wins which had dragged us almost to National Two safety, and we then beat Chinnor at home and drew away at Redruth away in the final game.
So, we know things will always get better!
And in fairness, I thought we were worthy of a bonus-point, probably two last week. Some things just didn’t go for us.
At times Plymouth were also pinging the ball around on a wet pitch like it was Sevens with the sun on their back – full marks to them.
It was a great atmosphere, thousands in the ground and I love the fact their crowd get behind them – they’re similar to Rotherham and get at you, but they’re very nice people before and afterwards.
‘Fantastic story’ to see Ryan debut
Moving on I am delighted to see last season’s Colts’ title-winner Ryan Carr start on the wing.
We’ve got to give a shout-out to Bracknell who he was with until Under 15s – they did a great job developing him and it’s fantastic the way Berkshire sides over the years have got boys to the highest level.
But I remember standing behind the posts 12 months ago when he cut the line to score the decisive try against Windsor, and I thought ‘my goodness me, this boy’s got something’.
I wasn’t surprised Bath had put him on their programme and I’m delighted they’ve given him the nod to have his first senior game back with us.
He’s got great footwork, wheels and he’s one to watch.
It’s a fantastic story and the first breakthrough from the youth section in eight years, where there’s been a lot of work going on.
Mike Tewkesbury has been doing so much to get the quality of coaching up, and I have a reminder to all coaches who have bought into the accreditation programme.
Most important is fun, but when it comes to playing elite level, what counts are the core skills.
If you can pass, tackle, run and know how to support, you’re going to do well, but if not, you’ll get found out.
Hopefully Ryan is the first of many more to benefit from the ethos and help this effort come into fruition.
Thanks to Vale & West
Next, I’m extremely pleased to once again have Vale & West as matchday sponsor.
Terry and Jason don’t just support with money, they love coming up here and are whole-hearted fans – I always enjoy talking to them after a game.
They’re tremendous individuals and we’re so grateful for their backing.
Finally, we have more than 100 people in for Tor’s carvery and hopefully a big crowd who I hope will make plenty of noise.
While frustrating at times, there’s been lots for us to celebrate during a season of enormous transition.
When you look at the players we don’t have from the past few seasons, you could have an incredibly strong XV who would be right at the top of National One.
But having been involved around the first team since 1997, I know teams go in cycles.
They wax and wane, but all the coaches will say when you build towards a promotion, it’s a huge effort to sustain.
For this new group it will take a while to get there, but they’ll have learnt lots and will be better for their experiences.
