Having strength in numbers is proving big Barnes bonus
BARNES have used an incredible 51 players this season, and head coach Jack Heald puts his side’s success down to their squad depth which derives from a second team that continuously punches above their weight.
The Seconds are second in Division 1 of the HALBRO Raging Bull Shield which is a league comprised of Championship side Ampthill’s second team, as well as third-tier reserve teams Richmond, Rams and Blackheath.
Title-fighting Barnes have endured a huge number of injuries across their campaign, but Heald says recruiting players due to their south London location is easier for his side than most as he empathises with an out-of-form Bury St Edmunds, who Barnes beat 47-34 last weekend.
Heald told The Rugby Paper: “It felt like an endof-season game, we know we’ve got bigger games to come but it was important to get the five points.
“They pushed Dorking very close the week before, but one thing we’re lucky to have is a lot of strength-in-depth with our first and second team.
“Clubs that aren’t as centrally located as we are means it’s more difficult if you pick up an injury to replace a player. We’re fortunate we don’t have a drop-off because of our strong 2’s.”
Barnes came into this weekend one point off top spot, level on points with third-place Dorking but having played a game more than leaders Esher.
Despite Esher being heavy favourites, there’s still a lot to play for in the race for the title as the season concludes on April 27 with Barnes hosting the top side.
Heald hopes the title will still be on the line then, but after last year’s second-place finish with 99 points, he wants to at least go one better and reach triple digits.
“I’m expecting a few bumps in the road if we don’t get our game right in the run-in,” said Heald.
“Mathematically, Esher can win the league the game before we play them, as they play Dorking before us. If Dorking beat Esher all kinds of permutations will go on prior to the end of the season. I wouldn’t bet against Esher because they’ve got a quality squad and need to lose a game before they play us, which I think is unlikely.
“We want 100 points, and are on target to do that, but it’s always a bigger challenge backing it up for a second year.
“I doubt anyone in the National Leagues would have used 51 players and stayed in the mix for promotion, so that’s something I’m proud of, and we’re really thankful to our second team.”
Barnes have welcomed an influx of youth from their second team, but have been reliant on their experienced players.
Heald added: “The old stalwarts have been key; Josh Davies (scrum-half), Peter Weightman, Jordan Souter (centres) have been regular performers for a number of years. Those guys combining with the new recruits have put us in a good position this season.”