Codling: Mine's a dozen

29 July 2010

THOUGHTFUL...Coach Alex Codling plans next season's squad.

By Ben Welch

BARKING rugby club's recruitment drive shifted into top gear with the announcement of 12 new signings.

With the club preparing for their first campaign in National One, Alex Codling (pictured) has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to assemble a squad capable of competing at English rugby's third rung.

The Goresbrook chief has assembled the services of Jared Saunders, Sam Stanley and Henry Staff from Saracens' academy, Matthew Heeks and Ed Stembridge from London Scottish, Alex MacKenzie and Adam Armstrong from Blaydon, Scott Alfeld from the Leicester Lions, Jack Owens from the Leicester Tigers' academy, Michael Pointing from Worthing and former Canadian under-21 international hooker Thomas Cobb joins from Midlands based outfit Loughborough Students.

Former junior player, back rower Greg Kersey, has also returned to the club after a five-year absence, during which time he played for Loughborough University and the reserve side of Championship outfit Nottingham.

As the newly promoted club from National Two South Barking have been touted as relegation candidates ahead of the 2010-11 season, but Codling is determined to ruffle a few feathers.

"All the guys who have come on board have fitted in really well," said the former England player, who himself has signed on as a player in case of an emergency.

"Pre-season training has gone well so far, the squad is enjoying it, and we are beginning to get a little bit of shape about us.

"The whole group are champing at the bit to get stuck into a really tough set of pre-season fixtures, and we are confident that the new players will impress the fans early on with their skill and commitment to the cause.

"We could have taken on a number of different faces, but we have signed guys with proven quality, complemented with some exciting youngsters. This will freshen everything up and give us some real competition for shirts which, as a management team, gives us a lot of options in what will be a tough campaign."

Prop Saunders, fly-half Stanley and centre Staff are all heading to Goresbrook next term on season-long loan deals.

Staff impressed for England Counties on their recent tour to Canada, while Stanley is currently playing in the provincial championship in New Zealand.

Upon making his return to Goresbrook, Kersey, expressed his determination to reignite his playing career after five injury-blighted years.

"I've really missed the place, and all the time I've been away has made me realise that even more," said the former Campion student.

"Injuries have meant that my involvement in the game has been limited, which has been frustrating, but my body is in good shape for the first time in a while and it couldn't have come at a better time.

"These are exciting times for the club, and to play with guys like Jack Gash and Dave Vincent, who I went to school with, is a dream come true."

MEANWHILE, Dagenham Rugby Club stage their first Open Day at the club in Central Park on Saturday between 11am and 3pm.

Children will have the chance to play rugby related games, fitness and coaching sessions with club coaches and have the chance to win autographed shirts and balls signed by England and British Lions star Ben Clarke.

Boys and girls aged 6-16 are all welcome.