Teign hit by big defeat

SOUTH WEST ONE

TEIGNMOUTH need some respite from their injury problems if they are going to pull away from the South West One danger zone.

Last Saturday’s 53-0 drubbing away to second-placed Okehampton, left the Teigns three off the bottom of the table, five points shy of safety.

Andy Crossman, Teignmouth’s director of rugby, said at full strength he is confident the team will play its way out of danger.

“What we need is some respite from the horrendous injury and availability problems we have been landed with,” said Crossman.

“The players we have are good enough to get us out of trouble – and the sooner we see more of them back the happier I will be.

“We have had flankers playing in the centre, props playing at hooker and numerous changes to make every week.

“This Saturday we have got St Ives at home (2.30pm) and it is a game we have to target for a win.

“Over the next few weeks we have got Cullompton, who are below us, and Thornbury, who are not that far above, both of them at home.

“They are games we need to win and to do that we need to get players back and raise our commitment levels. Some players will turn out every week come hell or high water; others are not quite so committed.”

Crossman said two wins before Christmas would prime the pumps for a New Year bid for safety.