Full steam ahead

ROB BOX is not one for dwelling on the past. The memories of April's historic Siam Cup victory are still fresh in the mind of Guernsey fans, but the head coach has moved on.

He had no choice.

Gone are several of the heroes of that day, including captain Carl Johnson, big number eight Matt Morgan and sublime scrum-half Willoughby Bloem.

But, as is always the case in this island, new faces have arrived during the summer and Box cannot contain his grin as the excitement of a new season and the prospect of life in London Three South-West approaches with tomorrow's opener at Andover.

Afrikaans is almost as common as English at Foote's Lane nowadays and these Springboks are apparently pretty useful. As Box pointed out, Sarnian fans have to wait unfortunately until 24 September to see them at home, but there is loads of potential in the ranks.

The head coach is just eager to get his troops all singing from the same songsheet as soon as possible.

'It has been difficult because we have not been able to get everyone here at the same time and the season is quickly upon us this year,' Box said.

Colin McLatchie's return as backs coach after a year's break has also given Box a boost, especially with the majority of the newcomers lining up behind the scrum.

The head coach, though, is keeping his ambitions realistic and is focusing on performances rather than results so as not to put pressure on what is a very young side.

'We do not know what any one team is going to be like, but I do not believe we can get promoted this year. Our aim is to stay mid-table in this league.

'If we win good scrummage and line-out possession, we will get good ball for our backs and we have got some lightning quick guys.

'Mac has got a very big squad of backs and is spoilt for choice, which is great, but it doesn't matter who you have got in your backs if you do not win ball up front.

'I am quietly confident that we will play some good rugby this season.'

Players to watch out for include Joshua Jones, an Auckland reserve flanker, the returning Will Wyatt and 19-year-old South African fly half Ian Weideman.

'He is a typical South African: tough as nails, a big tackler, has played rugby since he was a toddler and has excellent all-round sports athleticism,' said McLatchie. 'We have high hopes for him. His brother plays Currie Cup in South Africa so he comes from a good rugby pedigree.'

Of course, there are a few familiar star names still around such as the Thomas brothers, James Regnard and Jim Elliott as well as new captain Andy Bailey.

McLatchie now hopes the team can gel quickly.

'We are a little bit nervous because they have not had a lot of time together and one thing we have not been able to organise is proper pre-season games. But they have all been around the block and have played good rugby,' he said.

'Looking at the backs individually, when they have got the ball in hand, one-on-one, they are scary. They are fast and they can tackle.'