THERE is no need for panic at the Memorial Ground as Penryn continue to build a bright future – according to assistant coach Marek Churcher.

Despite sitting tenth in the Tribute Western Counties West division and having just one away win, encouraging signs are coming out of the club under the coaching team, headed by Russell Lawrance, installed at the start of the season.

A younger look has been given to the side with an eye on developing the talent and so far, this approach has seen them pull off good results, including a 23-22 win over Teignmouth.

They have also been involved in a number of close matches, including both derby games against Truro, who beat Borough 12-8 on Saturday and 18-17 back in October.

Speaking to the Packet, Churcher, who also coaches at the Exeter Chiefs’ academy and Truro College, believes the team are developing well.

However, he added the club are trying to keep their focus on the more immediate future, rather than long term goals.

Falmouth Packet:

Just like this maul, Churcher expects Penryn's young side will push forward over the next few years.

Churcher said: “We have a lot of youngsters in and around the team this season who are doing a good job and we just need to patient.

“What will help us now is continuity in availability, but for the rest of the season the focus is on getting the performances and plans right.

“We are in a position where we are not going to get relegated or promoted, so we can really focus in on trying to perform well and developing the younger players.

“Winning only one away game this season doesn’t look good, but this is a tough league and not many do well on the road.

“If we keep the improvements coming, it will only get better to the point where we are challenging for promotion over the next few years.”

Among the younger players who have impressed in Borough’s first team this season are winger Jack Willey and half-backs James Salisbury and Callum Hinchley.

All are still teenagers and while he feels they still have a bit to learn, Churcher said they are starting to look settled.

“I think they are adapting well to the level,” Churcher said.

“The hardest thing is for someone like James or Callum who are coming in the half-back positions and having to control the game.

“For any 17-year-old, to do this in senior rugby is a tough challenge and it can take time for confidence to build up.

“But I feel they are growing as characters and starting to boss the game more and overall they are doing alright.

“What they have to remember is they wouldn’t keep getting selected by me or Russ if we didn’t see something in them.”

Falmouth Packet: Penryn 23-22 Teignmouth.jpg

Happy times look set to grip the Memorial Ground in years to come.

With Lawrance on holiday, Churcher was in charge of the dugout for Saturday’s highly anticipated derby clash at St Clement’s Hill.

The coach said he was impressed with the performance from Penryn, despite losing by four points, adding it shows the ongoing improvements which are happening within the side.

He said: “Conditions were tough on Saturday and I was glad I wasn’t playing.

“But everyone went out and gave 110 per cent with plenty of guts and determination being shown, which was outstanding to see.

“Our defensive performance was the best I’ve seen this season with lots of tackles going in, especially from our back row.

“The difference I think in the end was the experience Truro had in their team.”