Buxey hoping his side can kick-start season (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Buxey hoping his side can kick-start season

7:00am Saturday 20th October 2012 in Sport By Matt Plummer

CLACTON Rugby Club will hope to kick-start their season at fellow Essex League division one strugglers Bancroft today.

Neither side have won a league game this season, so one of those records is bound to go.

“It would be great to get our first victory,” said Seasiders skipper Jake Buxey.

“We’ve trained hard this week and are determined to get off the mark in what has become a very big game for both sides.

“It’s been disappointing this season because we’ve played better than our points tally suggests.

“Pre-season was fantastic but then both sides were poor in our opening match against Upper Clapton.

“However, since then we’ve produced a couple of decent performances, against Old Cooperians and Millwall.”

Buxey says his side have been missing key personnel so far this season.

Darren Tully, who kicked many of their points last term, has chosen to drop down to second-team rugby for Clacton’s Kestrels.

Aaron Johnston and James Barbour have been unable to play so far, because of work and family commitments.

Sam Mahoney - the son of coach Matt - has now left for university and may not play against until Christmas.

However, there is good news regarding James Garrod.

The centre is back for today’s game.

“Four or five of the lads haven’t been able to play this season, for work or family reasons,” said Buxey.

“It’s a shame because they’re big players for us.

“I wouldn’t use it as an excuse for our form, but it’s certainly a factor.

“The youngsters who have come in have stepped up to the plate and done very well.

“But there’s a big difference between playing colts rugby and in the Essex League.

“At this level, you’ve got to be totally switched on for 80 minutes.”

Clacton and Bancroft sit second and third from bottom respectively, with just one solitary bonus point to their name.

Only Burnham-on-Crouch are below them, still yet to get off the mark.

The Seasiders had to concede last weekend’s Junior Vase tie at Thurston.