3:30pm Sunday 21st February 2010
By Matthew Colledge
BRIDGWATER and Albion may have been on the wrong end of a 54-15 thumping on Saturday, but the big numbers off the pitch could soon bring better news.
Albion coach Nick Hill told the Mercury the club hoped to secure a deal in the next few weeks which could bring some financial stability and end the player exodus – although he remained tight-lipped on any details until it was agreed.
Hill was candid when asked what his main priority now was for the remainder of a season which will almost certainly result in relegation.
“Firstly, we want to field a team,” he said, “and we want to keep playing attacking rugby with a never-say-die attitude.”
Albion have seen 13 players depart in recent months and injuries have made Hill’s job mission impossible.
He said: “Everybody who was going to leave has gone but that has left us with a very small squad and even one injury could devastate us.
“The atmosphere is still good and everybody is working together but our finances must be secure.
“We’re hoping to hear about a deal in the next few weeks.”
Hill said Albion had put in a spirited performance on Saturday against second-placed Ealing, and reserved special praise for debutants Jack Kohler, a 17-year-old scrum half who came on at half-time, and Damian Griffin, a 21-year-old winger.
Hill said: “Jack did really well and showed he is a real live-wire. Damian also did well – he had a couple of good runs and made a few good tackles.
“There was another barnstorming performance from Matt Hastie, who was captain in the absence of Steve Hunt.
“I was impressed by the way the lads never gave up, aided by the Albion faithful who were again terrific.”
Hill said Albion go into Tuesday's cup semi-final at Taunton as heavy underdogs.
He said: “We’re struggling to field a side and they have got well-paid players who have won 40-odd games in a row, but we’ll be aiming to make life as hard as possible for them.”
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