Head coach Dave Larham says the focus this season will be on developing Aylesbury Rugby Club’s young players after they shone in his side’s first victory of the season at the weekend.
An injury-hit Ay’s won a tight Bucks Shield clash 14-12 at Olney with a host of young players cutting their first team teeth.
And while much of the emphasis at the club has been on the completion of an impressive new clubhouse and improving facilities, Larham says it is his job to help bring through a new generation.
“After about eight games we’ll have a better idea of where we can aim for, but this season is about putting some pride back in the shirt and developing our young players,” he said.
“A lot of them have put themselves in the frame for the first team for rest of the season now.”
Larham says Aylesbury will now travel to Wallingford on Saturday with renewed confidence after their gutsy display.
The Magenta and Black youngsters drafted in to cover injuries and player absences showed maturity beyond their years to help the Ay’s in their bid to retain the title they have won for the last two years.
Aylesbury shook off their underdogs tag against a team boasting a 100% winning record to leave Larham purring.
“I was really, really delighted with the performance from one to 18,” said the head coach.
“The focus going into the game was on workrate and that’s exactly what we got.
“We had a number of players missing through injury so it makes the win all the more pleasing. But it was not just the win, it was the effort on show with some outstanding performances from the likes of Jordan Stanmore, Liam D’Almeida and the captain Gary Horne – who was asked to play out of position – that made it.
“Until about eight games in we won’t know our true potential but my aim is to finish strongly and try for top six with the emphasis on bringing through the next generation.
“These players are all born and bred by Aylesbury and are Magenta and Black through and through. They will go on to become established players for the club who will then help the next generation of players.
“We have around 120 kids training on Wednesday nights so the future is looking pretty good,” he added.
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