Winscombe RFC

Head coach Nick Walrond: "Following a well-attended pre-season, we started the season well with an early win against St Bernadette's Old Boys, playing open, free-flowing rugby and using the pace of the backs to exploit the defence.

"This performance set the standard for the rest of the season but during the rest of September and October the team couldn't achieve this level of performance again, often showing the talent and potential of the side for only 20-30 minutes during games.

"As a consequence, we came out losers to sides who had not played as creatively as we had.

"However, since early November the side has been improving week on week, with significant improvements in our defence.

"The forwards have begun to vary their attacking play and strengthen the scrum, while the backline has begun to exploit the spaces that our forwards create.

"This has resulted in close results against Wells, Tor and Taunton, and importantly a critical win against fellow strugglers Old Sulians.

"Since that game in mid December we have been severely hampered by the weather, with fixtures cancelled against Midsomer Norton (waterlogged), St Bernadette's (frozen pitch) and Bristol Harlequins (snow). However, we did squeeze in a festive friendly game against local rivals Cheddar on Boxing Day.

"Looking ahead, once we have pitches that are playable, we are looking forward to building on the successes and pre-Christmas improvement, increasing our enjoyment of the game and looking to break down the opposition defence more efficiently.

"All in all, I can see us finishing the season strongly and we remain committed to continuing to play our rugby in Somerset Premier.

"On a hugely positive note, and following an immense amount of work from club members, we are looking forward to the switch-on of our new floodlights.

"This will greatly improve the playing and training experience for all members of Winscombe RFC, from both the mini and juniors right through to the senior sections of the club.

"We should be training under these lights by the end of January (weather permitting) and they will be officially turned on at a special game on Saturday, April 10, when the first XV host Old Sulians.

"On an individual basis, captain Andrew Ball has led from the front and showed how a combatitive approach to rugby pays dividends, while the return from long-term injury of James Carter at fly-half has given the side structure in the backs.

"There has also been some outstanding defensive and attacking contributions from George House in the centres and the introduction of young talent into the side through the likes of Kieran Clarke and Ben Irons has paid dividends.

"Hooker Dan Fryer offers all-round commitment and the right attitude, but we are still missing the likes of Matt Drew and Anthony Gregory to long-term illness and injury, and look forward to bringing these talented players back into the side."