Bridgwater and Albion RFC – Its Geoff Says…..

Geoff says from Bridgwater and Albion RFC

With no rugby over the weekend Bridgwater and Albion’s director of rugby Geoff Sluman has taken time to reflect on the first six matches of the season at the end of which the side still remain at the bottom of South West One (West).

“It has been a disappointing and somewhat unexpected start to the season for us without a win so far, which to be honest his not what we were expecting.

Long injury list at Bridgwater and Albion RFC

“Our injury list has been horrendous but that is not an excuse and whilst every squad will have to deal with injuries at some point, I think we had eight potential first team players unavailable for the first game and that went up to eleven missing for the second game.

This obviously reduced our options and a lot of the players we did have, had to play out of position position to their preferred.

“That said we were very pleased with the development of what we did in those early games and bedding in a lot of players should pay dividends as the season goes on. I never usually talk about players that don’t play – it is all about the players that do play.”

Well beaten but confidence growing

Sluman went on: “The first three games we were well beaten but in the following three games we were more competitive and were definitely in with a chance of winning those games.

“To date we have played five of the top six teams in the league so you could say that we have had tough fixtures but we just don’t see it that way, because we absolutely expect to compete with those teams.”

Carl Rimmer Head Coach at Bridgwater and Albion RFC

“It maybe worth reminding people that despite Carl Rimmer taking over as head coach at the start of last year, it feels like a long time ago, because last season was non existent due to covid and we didn’t play any games.

“Carl has improved many aspects of our game but there is nothing like trying to deploy it in league matches so that also takes a little time to adjust and learn but as I said earlier we have seen lots of improvements in the last couple of weeks and the building blocks are there for the future.

Game reviews during no game week

“With no game this week we have had a little time to do some things that you don’t always get time do so we have spent some time doing video analysis and reviews with the squad.”

“Other teams at the club are also building nicely. Our Women’s team have started their first ever league campaign and have a really enthusiastic squad – which appears to be growing not just in numbers but also ability.

Bridgwater and Albion RFC 2nd XV

“The men’s second team which has obviously also been impacted by the injury list have enjoyed a couple of good performances, while our youth rugby is going from strength to strength, which is good news for the future.

Looking ahead Sluman said: “Next week the fist team travel to another top half of table team where we visit sixth placed Newent. The second team are at home to Keynsham RFC with a 3pm kick off. The Women’s team next fixture is Sunday 24th October away to Cheddar Valley. If you are able to please go along and offer your support because it is always very much appreciated.”

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Category: 1st XV News