GEOFF Sluman, Bridgwater & Albion director of rugby, looks back over the 2017/18 campaign...

This has certainly not been an easy season, but despite the difficulties we have faced Bridgwater and Albion will be remaining in South West One (West) again next year.

I would like to start by paying tribute to all of the players from all of the teams; the youth teams, girls teams and senior men’s teams - they have all worked exceptionally hard and put a lot in.

The South West One (West) division itself has been fiercely competitive with any side capable of beating any other.

Dan Kemmish dislocating his elbow had a massive impact. He has years of experience at playing at a higher level, is a leader on and off the pitch and just a fantastic guy to have about - he was a huge loss.

Rob Allen spent the season with Taunton Titans where he excelled. Credit to him for wanting to test himself at a higher level and he has proved he can do it, but again that was a loss for us on and off the pitch.

However, there have been lots of positives that have come out of the season. There has been some really good news regarding many of our younger players coming through and gaining a great deal of experience this season.

Our new players have also integrated amazingly. It feels like they have always been here and they have all made a positive contribution in their own way.

The first XV certainly had a mixed season. Against some of the top teams we have performed very well, only losing to champions Drybrook by seven points and second-placed Exeter University by five points.

We have to acknowledge the opposite is also true when frustratingly we have not performed as well against some of the lower sides in the league, so we have to gain consistency and keep concentration.

Our second XV have endured a difficult season too with many of the players pulled up to first team duties. They will all learn from that and it will put us in a stronger position.

The girls section has enjoyed real success this season and continues to grow as does our youth section which flourishes.

Off the pitch we have introduced performance analysis in the second half of the season.

There are no miracle solutions but steady progression embedding each before we focus on the next.

I would like to add thanks to all of our sponsors and supporters. We simply couldn’t do it without the sponsors, and our supporters, many of whom travel to away matches as well, make a massive difference and are really appreciated by the players.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who works so hard behind the scenes, the office team, the bar staff, the committee members, physio, performance analyst, catering team and all of the volunteers and coaches - a big thank you.

We are already preparing for and looking forward to next season, which will be here soon enough!