Coaches View:

Before the start of the new season as Chairman of Rugby I thought it would be appropriate to say a few words, firstly the sad news on the death of Ty Partridge and Kevin Nicholls, on behalf of Nailsea & Backwell RFC our thoughts go out to both family's at this very sad time, a minutes silence will be observed this Saturday before the start of the game. 
 
I would like to thank Mark Hawkes for his work as Club Coach over the last 3 seasons, and wish him well in his next coaching job, wherever that might be?
 
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the new coaching team to Nailsea & Backwell RFC, firstly Head Coach Leo Costello, Leo has previously coached at the club and had 3 successful years gaining promotion with fellow coach Kevin Spencer from Somerset 1 to Somerset Premier and then onto Western Counties, they proved to be a formidable coaching team. Leo has also coached at Dings, Clifton, Weston and been involved in many development sides. We welcome back Tony Hill from Yatton, Tony will take the role of assistant backs coach with Pete Reakes taking on the role of assistant forwards coach. I wish them every success in the forthcoming season.
 
Pre season training has gone very well with lots of commitment from all players, with up to 35 players training on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. The two trials games showed that the hard work in training will pay dividends with a win against Winscombe by some 9 tries to 6 and with some very good individual performances linked with some exceptional team play. It was nice to hear one of Winscombe's players state during the handshakes that ‘you were the best team out there!’ If this is a taste of things in store, I for one am greatly looking forward to the season ahead! The Weston game proved to be a little harder opposition but once again some very good individual performances and some great defending. The commitment and hard work will prove to be vital with 26 league games being played this season, I believe its going to a be long and hard season and I am sure we will see some blood, sweat and tears along the way. Competition this season for places is very good with 5 scrum half's an abundance of backs and back row players, which is already making selection an interesting place to be!
 
With the 1st XV at home to Old RED's for the first league game of the season and the 2nd XV at home to Thornbury this Saturday, it would be great to see as many people at the club supporting both teams, there is no better feeling than coming out of the changing rooms and hearing and seeing the balconay full up and people 3 deep all the way up the side line cheering you on.
 
I hope you all enjoy the forthcoming season and it delivers what we deserve.
 
Regards
Geordie
Chair of Playing
Nailsea & Backwell RFC