Redbacks on the way up, says coach (From This Is Wiltshire)

Redbacks on the way up, says coach

8:17pm Friday 13th June 2008 in

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Chippenham Redbacks were defeated 169-101 by Southampton Titans at Poole on Saturday, but made a huge improvement on their previous result against the south coast outfit.

The Redbacks were destroyed 198-10 three weeks ago but gave the Titans a much closer game this time round with their best performance of the season.

The Titans started strongly with their experienced line up kicking six goals in the first quarter.

But the Redbacks had learned lessons since the teams last met and Lee Tarn, backed up by Joe Mitchell, started to dominate the aerial rucking contests.

This allowed crumming midfielders Rob Fielder and Luke Briggs to win ball and supply the forward line with plenty of service, and Rob Kerr scored two goals while Tarn got one.

In the third quarter the defence of Tom Case, Graham Howell, Tom Mitchell and Ben Denham put more pressure on the Titans players and made some crunching tackles.

The attack worked hard to keep possession up front, allowing further goals for Kerr, Chris Matthews, Joe Mitchell and Phil Moulton.

In the final quarter, the Redbacks hit the ground running and dominated the Titans.

Chippenham's support play and communication improved hugely and some big hits allowed the Redbacks to prey on the loose balls.

Kerr kicked three goals backed up by two from Tarn and one apiece from Denham, Fielder and Howell.

Coach Rob Fielder said: "Though a loss, this performance shows how far we've come in a short space of time.

"We lost to the Titans 10-193 three weeks ago, so the new skills learnt at training since then and the physical effort was tremendous by the entire team.

"The Titans had plenty of encouragement for our new players whilst chatting after the game.

"I'm looking to widen the game locally into the schools in future, because although it's a physical game, it helps develop a true sporting ethos with its focus on ethics and values."

The Redbacks take on Bournemouth Demons at Chippenham Rugby Club tomorrow (kick-off noon).