BRIDGWATER & Albion reported back for their first pre-season training session last Tuesday evening and there were some new faces in addition to the majority of those who were part of the team last year, writes Richard Walsh.

Simon Morrell, the BARFC head coach, said: “It has been a busy off-season, with a few of boys moving on and a handful of new recruits coming in. 

“We have added three or four lads and there may well be more to follow.

“They are all really good people who will add value as players and more importantly they are really good blokes who will buy into the culture we have been building at College Way. 

“We have absolutely no intentions of buying success, as we know this is not sustainable. 

“We want to invest our time in the local boys we have, as they can all make significant strides in the coming seasons, then as and when an obvious gap in playing resources appear we will then look to bring people in.

Morrell continued: “The boys reported back for pre-season on Tuesday and the above message, or a somewhat simplified version, set the tone for this pre- season. 

“Put simply, guys like Shaun Mahoney, Ethan Trebble-Westlake and George Sluman really shone through last year; the key is that another three or four ‘bolters’ emerge from this current group. 

“We know that in Ollie Dunn, we have the perfect role model for these younger players, epitomising everything we are trying to instil in the group. 

“If last night is anything to go by I would expect Kyran Devitt, Jordan Buller and Jay Owens to really kick on this year.”

Regarding recruiting Morrell said: “We were keen to avoid any ‘knee jerk’ reactions to the loss of Dan Kemmish, Micky Norman, Brad Field, James Collins, Rob Allen and Scott Franklin; we have instead erred on the side of caution, ensuring any additions ‘fit the bill’.

On his coaching line up, Morrell said: “We were disappointed to see Rob Allen go, as he really started to impress at the end of last year, however we are thrilled with the appointment of Luke Plummer and Stuart Heal, who will be taking on some responsibilities between them.

“We also welcome back Lindsay Carver, who will head up the second XV this season, supported by James Parker and Joe Bussell.”

Albion will be lining up in South West 1 West again this season, having finished ninth last time out.

Their league season begins on Saturday, September 2 with a home match against Teignmouth, and Bridgwater then travel to Bideford the following weekend.

The first derby against North Petherton takes place on Saturday, December 2 at College Way, with the reverse fixture on Friday, April 6.