RUGBY: In their hands
3:00pm Friday 15th March 2013 in Latest Sport News By Owen Houlihan
Devizes centre Rory Brown has teammate Mark Warburton in support as he tackles Trowbridge wing Ashley Chalk during Saturday’s derby clash
DEVIZES skipper Tom Collins has urged his side to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat at Trowbridge by bringing the Southern Counties South title to the Chivers Ground.
The Saddlebacks suffered their first defeat since November – ironically against the same opponents – and first away from home all season as they slipped to a 17-14 loss at their county rivals.
It left Collins’ side seven points clear of Trowbridge at the top with three games to go, from which two wins will probably be enough to secure the silverware.
Scrum-half Collins said: “As frustrating as Saturday was, we have to remain positive and have to play with confidence (in the last three games).
“The good thing is that we got a result out of it, in terms of a bonus point. It wasn’t the ideal one we wanted but we’ll take it and we’re still on track.’’
Devizes have a weekend off before hosting Wootton Bassett on Saturday week and, after last weekend’s brutal battle, Collins is pleased to have the chance to recharge batteries.
“It was an emotional day for them (it was Trowbridge’s last match before leaving their Green Lane home) and that played a massive part in the match,’’ he said.
“They played their hearts out and it was a bit of a fairytale finish for them.’’
