Rob jumps out of the coach's box

ROB BOX has resigned as head coach of the Guernsey Rugby Club. The man who led the Sarnians to successive promotions as well as the first Siam Cup victory in 10 years stepped down after Saturday's 19-11 home defeat to Old Reigatian.

He told the players of his decision immediately after the game.

'Everyone was a bit taken aback,' said captain Andy Bailey.

'To be honest, I was a bit disappointed with his timing, but he has got his reasons and I shook his hand and thanked him for all his hard work.

'These things can have a positive affect, though, and bring everyone together.

'It is not that we are playing incredibly badly and things can turn around very quickly. Once we get some momentum going, I am sure we will get a couple of wins under our belt.'

Colin McLatchie, who returned as Box's assistant this season after a year's break from the game, has taken over the reins.

He paid tribute to his predecessor, who was unavailable for comment yesterday, and outlined the reasons behind the developments.

'Rob has done a great job in bringing the team on and has put an awful lot of effort in over the years,' said McLatchie.

'His partner is due to give birth this week, he is under a lot of pressure and things have not been going well on the pitch.

'He feels that he has got nothing more to offer, he has been getting frustrated and now is the time to pass on the mantle.'

After accepting the offer from club chairman Ady Le Page to take on the head coach role, McLatchie made his initial target clear.

McLatchie reiterated that there had been a naivety about the level at which Guernsey were now playing and the reality that this division is tougher than anything they had faced before was only just starting to sink in.

But he added that there will be no finger-pointing and that it was important to accept collective responsibility.

'We have been making mistakes as a group - we rise and fall as a team,' he said.

'I do not foresee any immediate changes or shocks because it is not much of a step that we need to take. We are not far away from turning results around.

'The next game is on Saturday away to Weybridge. In many ways, it is probably a good thing that we do not have much time to dwell on things. We have got a chance to address our position and put it right.'