Academy lads will ensure bright future says Lach
OLD Elthamians are set for a “four golden years” according rugby director Gavin Lach, who is targeting a fifth promotion in eight seasons and a place in National One.
OEs went into the National Two South campaign as dark horses but emerged as strong contenders after a perfect six from six winning start prior to this weekend.
Underpinned by a thriving academy that has produced Nick Tompkins (Saracens), Ben Ransom (London Irish) and Levi Douglas (Bath), Lach even allows himself to dream of taking the progressive Kent-based outfit into the Championship.
Having recently moved into a smart new ground at College Meadows, with further developments pending, including a bigger clubhouse, grandstand and 4G pitch, Lach, right, told TRP: “We’re in a good place and I can’t describe how pleased I am with our start.
“Everybody’s bought into the direction we’re going in and, having come up from London Three since I joined seven years ago, we’re keen to move on again.
“What’s the secret? There’s no magic formula but we’ve got an excellent coaching set-up and we’re closely linked with Eltham College, who are driving a longterm plan to become a centre of sporting excellence, so everything is in place to be successful.
“We’ve got a great academy with Kent championship-winning teams from U14s to U18s and players who have been with us all through those age groups, so we’ve got at least four golden years ahead with players flooding through into our first XV.” OEs are benefitting from the arrival of ex-Coventry wing Dom Lespierre and former Esher lock Ian Kench, while kicking king Tom White continues to inspire at No.10.
Lach said: “Tom’s clocked up over 350 points a season since I took over and if you’ve got a guy like that you’re going to be there or thereabouts.
“Dom and Ian have strengthened our side, while Harry Ledger has been a revelation at No.8 and winger Renford Bennett has had a new lease of life at 32. No medals are given out yet, but if we’re in the hunt in April we’ll think about promotion.”