Close of Season with Ryan
As the 2022-2023 rugby season comes to an end, we had the opportunity to catch up with Ryan Watkins, Luctonians Head Coach.
“Probably not the result we wanted against Dings last week, but not even that took the shine off what has been a superb season. The highest-ever league finish for the 1st XV. Seems a contrast to the years I’ve been here, battling relegation up to the last play of the season sometimes!
I believe that those that have followed us closely, particularly over the past couple of seasons would not be surprised to see us where we are now, I’m certainly not. This group has an abundance of ability, coupled with a strong work ethic and desire to improve.
The strength of the team has no doubt been our ability to squeeze teams at scrum and maul, with Ben Link notching up 18 tries, many of those piggy-backing behind GT’s well-drilled set piece. Another particular favourite of mine was Joe White scoring a try from a push over scrum – on the opposition put in!
Added to that a rock-solid defence that has been finely tuned by Simon Cross, stat to note, we were the best team away from home in terms of points conceded. Just a mere 210, an average of 16 per game.
Not to forget another key to our success is Luke Bennett, for his great work in getting the lads fit and strong. Without Luke we don’t get this team to the next level – simple. Such are the demands physically of this league.
We’ve now got solid foundations in our set piece and defence and I can see the growth in our attack. TJ and Louis have steered us in the right direction and there have been some excellent finishes from our regular back three of Grimes, Wheeler and Watkins.
Extremely satisfying to see for me is Harry Whiteman grow into a 1st team starter and Bengry starting to nail down his role in the centres.
Special mentions must go to Hackers for reaching 200 National League caps, hell of a shift (one more year!). Plus Joe White doing an excellent job as skipper, driving standards and emotionally taking the lads where they need to be each week.
The constant competition from the 2nd XV, who themselves had the best season out of all the teams at Lucs, has been a massive part of our strength. I can’t go without mentioning OJ and Brett who have done a top job in absolutely nailing it this year!
There is some frighteningly good talent coming through the ranks. It’s been great to see young Gethin Davies gain valuable experience at this level over the past couple of months, while Sam Hayler, Jonty Monk and Will Pearson have stepped up to the plate and broken into the 1st XV.
Above all else, thank you all for the support. Often the 1st XV get a lot of the plaudits, but I think there is no disillusionment from me or the players as to why we are so strong, we are a small tip of a very big iceberg. The club as a whole is thriving and, I am confident that we will continue to grow and improve in all areas in the coming season.“
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