Grammar aim for flying start to new season
Published:
ABERDEEN Grammar aim to go out all guns blazing when the new rugby season springs into action on Saturday.
Grammar face a tough opening fixture away to Kelso.
But coach Mike O’ Donovan, pictured, has stated the importance of his side getting their campaign off to a winning start.
He said: “It’s vital that we hit the ground running, and get off to a good start.
“I have been really pleased with our pre-season.
“I want the team to focus on ourselves and not worry about other sides around us.
“Every league game will be hard, but there is a lot of excitement going round the squad at the moment.
“We are really looking forward to the new season getting underway.
“If things go to plan then we are quitely confident we will do well.”
Grammar have suffered a disappointing last couple of campaigns by their own high standards.
Having spent five years finishing consistently in the top half of the Premier League Division One, Grammar were relegated.
Some poor results saw them finish seventh in Division Two last season, but O’ Donovan wants to leave that disappointment firmly in the past.
He said: “Last season is behind us now, we must learn from it and look forward.”
O’ Donovan admitted that in an attempt to improve, Grammar are still in the process of recruiting new additions for their squad.
“We are still looking at some overseas players to strengthen the side, but I don’t want to say too much at the moment,” he said.
“However, we have signed Scotland U18 player Steve Aitken from Ellon, who has looked really good so far.
“The squad from last season is still very young, so the experience they gained last year will help them in this campaign.
“By having good depth in many positions, it brings a great competitive edge to the team.
“It’s just a case of fine-tuning the team.
“We have fairly been blessed and haven’t lost too many players.
“Most of the guys have returned for the new season.”
