COMING to terms with the disappointing end to last season has been hard to bear for everyone at Falmouth RFC. Finishing third in the Cornwall & Devon League was a testament to their defensive record, but unfortunately their patience and focus only lasted for the first 30 minutes in a crucial game against Devonport Services.

"After being in second place for most of 2006, that was hard to swallow," said coach Barry Trevaskis. "Nevertheless, we must not forget how we felt after that game and channel those thoughts in a positive manner for this season.

"This season will test the strength and versatility of our squad. We will again rely on the youth to play their part, but it is up to them to train hard and pressurise the Ist XV players with their commitment and attitude at training.

"Getting into a winning team is one thing, staying and retaining your place is another. I want to be able to put them into a side where they can express themselves and not be expected to lead and control games and therefore stifle their growth as players."

As in most clubs there has been plenty of movement of players and among the new (and not so new) faces to have joined is former second or back row player Kevin Hughes. Kevin has returned to the Recreation Ground after several seasons up the road at the Memorial Ground. Mike Slater (Penryn) and Tim Gay, a versatile forward, has joined from Truro.

There is plenty of enthusiasm below the Ist team with the Colts, under Jeff Maddern and Arthur Williams, managing to stay afloat and field a side when many other clubs in the county have been unable to sustain that level of commitment. There have been occasions when two clubs have had to pool resources, but it is vital for the club's - every club's - future that a link is maintained between the adult game and the mini and junior section.

That in itself has been a major plus for the club in recent years and it is now a thriving and major section of tomorrow's club rugby players.

One of the main targets for the whole club this season is again to concentrate on the training pitch - not just with the players, but with all the coaches in the club.

"Falmouth needs to be committed to the same training schedule throughout the club, with our aims and objectives running together," added Trevaksis. "It is my duty to train the coaches accordingly and get all the sides from minis to chiefs united.

"We will continue with our aggressive defensive attitude and my aim is to have the best defensive record in the league, and hope that the rest of the season looks after itself."

In his first season as coach with Falmouth Trevaskis has seen some major changes at the club - attitudes have changed and results have been achieved and he is now hoping those ideals will lead to a successful season.