Garn hoping to turn season around (From Free Press Series)

Garn hoping to turn season around

9:59am Wednesday 30th December 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

GARNDIFFAITH RFC, battling for survival at the bottom of Division Two East, go to Abercynon this Saturday hoping the New Year will bring about better fortune.

Garn were promoted last summer having dominated Division Three but have found the next tier of Welsh rugby a tough one. Nevertheless, head coach Nathan Daniel is confident the club can climb out of trouble and become a permanent fixture at this level.

Daniel said: "We’re struggling if I’m honest, it’s been a big step up.

"I’d like to see a bit more commitment from some players. You can see from the teams we’re playing – they’re working hard individually in the week and putting in the effort on Tuesdays and Thursdays in training.

"But we’ve a few games in hand and I’m confident we can stay up and survive."

Garn’s Boxing Day clash, like most of the regional fixtures, fell foul of the weather. Visitors Gilfach Goch were advised the game was unplayable due to a waterlogged pitch.

Daniel said: "We’re one of the few sides in this division who don’t pay players. There’s teams like Newport Sarries paying £100 a match and all we can offer people is a drink after the game.

"That’s been a problem but the boys who got us up have stuck by us, we’ve some young lads coming through.

"There’s 11 or 12 games to go now and we’re just looking to get back on the road this Saturday."

With the new year days away, Daniel’s own resolution is to complete his training and look to further his career. He first joined Garn a year ago as backs coach, and has quickly adapted to his more senior position.

The 28-year-old former Pontypool RFC man added said: "This is my second year at Garn and I’m head coach now and really enjoying it up there.

"Next for me is to get my coaching badges and progress. It’s no disrespect to Garn but I’d like to see how far I can go in coaching, especially having had my playing career cut so short by injury."

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)