RUGBY UNION: We're doing fine, says Alchester coach Kimber (From Bicester Advertiser)

RUGBY UNION: We're doing fine, says Alchester coach Kimber

10:00am Thursday 9th February 2012 in Sport

Alchester head coach Chris Kimber feels they have continued to make progress, despite finding life much tougher in a higher league.

Kimber’s men have won five out of 13 Southern Counties North matches after claiming the BB&O Premier Division title in 2010-11.

But with Alchester only joining the league structure in 2009, Kimber is more than happy at how they are doing.

“I am very pleased with the forwards,” he said.

“They have competed well throughout the season and have been dominating most opposition packs.

“If a couple of close games had gone our way, we would be in a better position.

“But we didn’t really want to be challenging at the top because we need to settle at this level.

“Our defence was awesome in the victory against Grove, but it has always been good.

“Hopefully, that has set our standard for the rest of the season.”

Tom Alcraft and Sam Butler were among those joining Alchester last summer, while Jack Briggs returned from Gosford All Blacks.

“We got off to a slow start,” said Kimber. “A few of the lads went to New Zealand for the World Cup and others had work commitments.

“But I am pleased with our progress.

“We are still playing the same way we did last year, but the game is quicker, which suits us, and more physical.

“Our second team are doing well in their league, which shows the strength the club has built up in a short time.”

One player Alchester will have to do without is captain Dan Kimber, whose neck injury has ruled him out for the season.