Page 13 - Brecon v Crymych

“Having made that decision, we have been
fortunate to be able to recruit a few players
who have experienced rugby at a higher
level. Osian Davies has rejoined his home club
after a long, successful run with Premiership
Club, Merthyr, and Kristian Dacey, (brother
of Backs Coach, Gavin) following his regional
retirement, after a successful career as a
member of Cardiff Blues, is looking forward
to add his considerable experience.”
When asked how preparations for the new
season has progressed, Dale was positive
but with a few notes of caution. “Players are
buying into the rigorous regime. Training has
gone well. Numbers are good and it is
pleasing to see a smattering of last season’s
youth team stepping up into the senior ranks.
Our pre-season plan was to give everyone the
opportunity to challenge for places at the start
of the season and to be involved in contrasting
experiences in our two warm up matches
against Marlborough and Newport respectively.
In the latter we perhaps learned more about
ourselves in the defeat to a very well organised
Premiership side than we did in the victory at
Marlborough.
For the first thirty-five minutes we were better
than them but then we failed to maintain our
intensity and we cannot afford to do that
against a teams of that quality.
What we needed, when we lost two influential
players, was unity and strong voices and we
were found lacking. We are all in this together
and we are all learning. We must aim for a
high level of pace and intensity for the full
eighty minutes.
Throughout the coming campaign we have
to make the most of our time on the training
ground so that we can continue to consistently
up the pace, maintain the intensity, and
improve. We also need to respect our
opponents but if we can do this, then I believe
that we can be genuine Championship West
title contenders. That is particularly important
this season as there is likely to be a change in
the league structure, with the possibility of five
promotion places to a new Premiership.
We are perhaps fortunate to be in the right
place at the right time, so we must commit
as never before if we are to embrace this, once
in a generation opportunity. Together we can
advance.
Onwards and upwards must be our rallying
call throughout the season...
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