BUDE head coach Sam Parker feels his side will ‘improve week on week’ as they prepare to return to league action this Saturday at Liskeard-Looe in Counties Two Cornwall (3pm).

The trip to Lux Park will be the Seasiders’ first away trip, having started with home victories over St Just and Wadebridge Camels where they secured 10 points from a possible 10.

However, Camborne Seconds, Newquay and Falmouth also are unbeaten having not dropped a point, but Parker feels the leaders have done well following relegation.

He said: “Understandably I am really pleased with the start to the season, being top on maximum points is a real statement from us and we are aware that we need to justify it with each performance!

“Starting at home has given us a solid platform and steadied any nerves, to go the whole season undefeated is a lofty goal, but going undefeated at home is imperative!”

Ollie Rowland.
Bude scrum-half Ollie Rowland prepares to put the ball into the scrum. (Chae Jenkins.)

So what’s been key so far?

He continued: “There have been a fair few standout players, and the Colts and young players have really stepped up and fitted in perfectly.

“There are also incredible senior players that are nothing short of club legends, so we’ve got a good mix.”

Bencoolen Meadow is often a fortress, but if Bude are to make an immediate return to Counties One Western West, winning the majority of their away trips is key.

He continued: “The saying, ‘if it's not broken’ springs to mind.

“We are aware of our strengths and will optimise them week in, week out, but we know there are a few things to fix and come the end of the season we will have turned them into strengths which will hopefully get us to where we want to be.

“We have a lot of work to do, but we will improve week on week!”

Finley Fry.
Bude flanker and vice-captain Finley Fry looks to win line-out ball against Bideford. (Chae Jenkins.)

Bude warmed up for Saturday’s clash with a 17-10 victory over Bideford last Saturday in the first-leg of the inaugural Harpers Feeds Cup.

The two clubs were in the same division last year, but with both clubs having strong farming links, they have agreed to play each other annually in a two-legged affair to keep the derby going.

Reflecting on the victory, which was secured by Brad Thomas’ late try, Parker said: “Last week was a very scrappy affair, we weathered a lot of pressure throughout the game but our defence held up well against a very determined opposition.

“To have only conceded one try and a penalty speaks volumes of the lessons learned from last year and the training put in this season, while scoring three tries and have three disallowed is fantastic work from the players.

“I am supremely proud of the defence and the discipline demonstrated, and we are really looking forward to the return leg.”

As for Liskeard, he concluded: “Going into our first away game, we have a lot to prove and a win streak to maintain, plus we want to show that we can deliver away from home.

“We are missing a few key players including Joe Wilson and Olly Denford, but this gives us a chance to experiment with players in different positions.”

BUDE at Liskeard: Will Pharo, Oscar Davey, Ben Tharme, Edy Hilliam-Cooke, Cobi Yelland, Brad Thomas, Ollie Rowland; Alex Robinson, Harvey Cholwill, Hayden Chater; Will Hockridge (capt), Charlie Firman; Finley Fry, Matt Maniglia, Fred Saxton. Replacements: Matt Shadrick, Josh Rowland, Ollie Mounce, Josh Brown.