BRIDGWATER & Albion Rugby Club kick off their new season in South West 1 West on Saturday afternoon (ko 3pm), with a home game against Teignmouth RFC, writes Richard Walsh.

Head coach Simon Morrell, who is now into his second season in charge at College Way, talked about how the pre-season had gone.

“We were hoping to have three pre-season games with a view to fielding what was potentially the one we were going to play Teignmouth in one of them, but then Chard pulled out, so it didn’t quite work out that way.

“However, during the two games that we played we have fielded a good cross section of players across the three squads.

“We had a good game against Chew Valley which was very encouraging even though we lost 15-5, and then we were well beaten at Winscombe who were a strong side.

“Both games were tough and provided a good run-out for the boys and most of those in the senior squad have had a full 80 minutes ahead of the first game.”

Morrell’s plans have suffered some unexpected setbacks, however.

He said: “Sadly, we lost Jordan Buller with a broken leg at Winscombe, which is a real shame as we have already got his brother Taylor out injured.

“Gavin Knight has a knee injury and Lewis Priest is also injured, so pre-season has taken a bit of a toll.

“Pre-season has been a bit of a transition for those in the squad and there has been a real opportunity for people to put their hands up and accelerate their development this summer.

“Kurt Polley, who is a blindside flanker, has come into the squad this summer and has been outstanding; he is going to give some good performances for us.

“I didn’t know much about him beforehand so that has been encouraging, and there have been several other young players who have come to the fore.

“We are not there yet and know that we need to drop in one or two other players on top of what we have at the moment.

“However, that is not likely to happen in time for our opening game.

“We are getting the right players in but not rushing; it means that there are others in the squad who will get their opportunity, so we will be putting out a strong side against Teignmouth on Saturday.

“Lewis Phillips and Kurt Pooley are both missing, but we are well organised and capable so if we can squeeze a win on Saturday it will show the depth of our squad and reflect all the work in pre-season.”

Last season, Teignmouth won 18-13 in the fixture at College Way in October, while the Albion triumphed 40-22 in the return in South Devon in January.

There is always a little bit of extra edge to games between the two sides because Teignmouth is where Morrell was in charge before he joined Bridgwater ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.

Once again, Morrell has been impressed by the support Albion have received.

“I’ve been amazed by the number of people who have travelled to our pre-season games away from home.

“The boys are looking forward to playing in front of a good crowd on Saturday – they really do appreciate it.

He added: “I said that this season we would look to kick on from last time round, and by the time we are 10 games into the campaign we will have had a good start to the year.”

Bridgwater & Albion’s 2nd XV travel to the coast to play Minehead Barbarians on Saturday in their season opener in the Somerset Premier.

Next up will be Old Redcliffians at home, then a visit to Avon on September 16.

The 3rd XV start their season on September 9 at Weston 4ths.

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NORTH Petherton 1st XV face a tough opening to their South West 1W season when they travel to Cullompton on Saturday.

After finishing in mid-table last year, Pethy will be looking for a good start against the division’s new boys.

Pethy’s first home game of the season will be against Drybrook, who finished third.

The club’s 2nd XV will play in Tribute Somerset 1 and start their season on Saturday at home to Chew Valley 2nds before visiting Bath Old Edwardians.

North Petherton’s Under-18s, who play in the Somerset Under-18s League, open their season with a tough derby fixture at home to Taunton.

North Petherton Mini and Juniors RFC are holding a season training and rugby taster session this Sunday, September 3, from 10am to noon.

The event is designed for both boys and girls (aged six to 16), with all abilities welcome.

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MORGANIANS' season in Somerset 1 begins with a home fixture against Keynsham.

They follow that up with a second home game against Bristol Babas.

Morgs won promotion with an impressive 2016/17 title win.

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BLAKE Bears RFC start their 2017/18 campaign this Sunday with a fixture against local rivals Wyvern, facing them for the first time in 10 years.

It will be played in a true Sunday spirit as of old, and begins at 1pm at College Way (Bridgwater & Albion RFC).

This season is the Bears’ third in their new era, and will see fixtures against the likes of Butleigh, Wyvern, Somerton, Hornet’s 4ths, Pethy Vets and Taunton Wanderers.

The club would like to thank sponsors Annabel and Steve Bradley at The Commercial.

New and old players, from the age of 17 upwards, are welcome to join.

Call Neil Baker on 07854 860975 for more information.