Kentish Express Ashford & District
Wins boost confidence
Adam Knight believes Ashford Rugby Club are starting to enjoy life in London 2 South East.
Two big wins over Thanet and bottom side Aylesford Bulls in successive weeks have provided a timely boost for Knight’s young side but the 22-year-old skipper – the youngest ever in the club’s history – knows every match will provide a new challenge.
He said: “We are beginning to find our feet, especially at the breakdown area, where we are starting to get clean ball, which we need to have the way we play.
“We didn’t get enough in the early games but we are learning as we go. It’s taken time but we are getting there slowly.
“We scored some perfect tries against Aylesford last week and included two more 18-yearolds making their debuts, Dan Sheerin at No.6 and Andy Ticehurst, also in the back row.
“They have been playing well for the seconds and Dan stepped in to replace Elliot Cohen. It was their chance to shine and it all bodes well for the future.
“There are some things which we still need to work on, which better sides might have punished us for.”
Knight added: “Everyone’s enjoying it. The banter is great among the boys and that’s what it’s all about.
“We are targeting two more wins and the next month will be the key to our season against the likes of Medway, Crowborough and Sevenoaks, who have picked up some good results lately.”
Ashford have a day off this weekend, and Knight admitted: “I do enjoy the rest but most of us will have two hard sessions this week, while some of the younger guys who haven’t had much game-time will play for the seconds.”
Meanwhile, head coach Gregor Dougall has explained why he watches games from
‘The next month will be the key to our season’
behind Ashford’s own posts.
He said: “I have done it like that in all my coaching career.
“Our game is based on pace, so it’s better to watch from there, because you see things completely differently from being side on.”
Rhys Fussell and Shaun Woolford picked up shoulder injuries at Aylesford, while Gary Croxton, who watched Saturday’s game alongside Elliot Cohen – out with a dislocated elbow – is hoping to return in January after knee surgery.