Pre Season Training Begins
As preseason training begins next Tuesday thoughts at the club begin to focus on the possibilities of the year ahead. Should we be consolidating our position in the Western Counties West league? Maybe we can aim a little higher, with a better position than last year, or making our home ground more of a fortress. Could we aspire to seek promotion?
Whatever, the club goals on the field of play, much depends on the players who return and with how much enthusiasm and motivation? Each player will have their own personal goals within the context of the squad as a whole. Every stakeholder will have higher expectations as a result of a successful season last year.
Player availability is always a key factor in considering the possibilities that lay ahead. In the last two years St Ives have used no less than forty two players during the season, but rarely has there been enough at any one time to produce more than one side. DoR, Joff Rowe, has busied himself with drawing new talent to The Hakes for the coming season.
New Signings
Rhys Brownfield, 6’2” (1.88m) and over 15 stone (98kgs), is a full back / flyhalf who joined the Cornish Pirates Player Development Foundation (PDF) in July 2015. Truro born, Rhys played his junior rugby with The Pirates Youth and played for Cornwall through the age groups. He was a key component of the county U.20s side that reached the semi-finals of the County Championship a couple of seasons ago and went on to represent the South West U.20s.
Rhys has played for Pirates Amateurs, Launceston and Camborne, helping the latter to gain promotion to National League 3 in 2015-16. He will have responsibility for coaching kicking and attack and the 22 year old should prove a great asset to the club, in a position left vacant by the departure of Jordan Gott to Plymouth Albion.
Club supporters will be aware of the many combinations used to cover the second row in recent seasons. John Lamsin, a very experienced player, born in Torquay, will also join our ranks for the coming season. At 6’5” (1.95m) and 18 stone (115kgs), the 33 year old has previously played for Brixham, Camborne and Redruth. His honours include The Royal Navy, The RN 7s and Devon.
Look out for more signings soon.
