News Article | 1st June 2007 » Coaches comments - 01/06/2007

We played strong all last season but we hit hard lines again. We had only 3 imports available to us compared with the 5 that other teams were icing. This put extra strain on the boys and I had to remix lines at times that I would have preferred not to. Steve Roberts came to us on personal recommendation, but I will be going by my own judgement in the future. I am very disappointed both for the fans and the boys of how this worked out. But overall the boys stepped up to the plate, and played with heart and character. The fortnight when the lads were on G.B. duty and we basically lost our second line could not have come at a worst time. We hit league games both home and away with our contenders for the league title. I would not stop development of the lads, but this hurt us, I genuinely believe we could have won the league if this had not happened.

It was unlucky for us that Guildford and Bracknell definitely had the easier run during the second half of the season. This also had implications for our play off run every one was still disappointed with our second spot in the league, but everyone rallied round and we scraped through to Coventry. Once we got there the boy's could not have done more, we did not get the luck of the bounces and it was not to be. But to have lost the game with 18 seconds to go was terrible. I really felt for the boys, to lose how we did was devastating - but it was not to be. Next year our aims are to correct this.

I know some of you are eager to know signing news etc. But I have been speaking to several of the boys along with applications from other players within the sport in this country and also abroad. It is a bit like putting a puzzle together and, the pieces have to fit. Please be patient, I assure you we are working behind the scenes but until deals are finally concluded we cannot announce the names to you. News is coming out a lot early than last year and will continue to do so.

I know we have lost Towe, Holland and Millie but they all had their reasons for moving on. I nor the Club would not stand in their way and do not underestimate their contribution to the squad last year. But players will move on and although losses are felt and however much you hope to retain your players it is inevitable that changes will happen, that's sport.

We are looking good, with Duncombe, Wallace, Woolhouse, Gibson, Dowd, Morgan and Ashton other key players and fan favourites should be confirmed over the next few weeks.

Neil Abel

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9th June 2007
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31st May 2007

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