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The numbers were slightly disappointing after the Bunfight where over 200 names had been collected. Still, the task of filtering through so many keen individuals proved huge, even with many senior members of the club present and keeping their eyes open for new talent.

The trials themselves were designed to put the new lads through their paces. There were several different stations testing the players’ abilities in handling, defensive patterns, their awareness in attacking situations and, of course, the tackle tunnel.

It was clear that there was a vast range of different playing abilities on display. However it soon became apparent that there were a number of very talented freshers who would be more than capable of filling some of the very large gaps left by last year’s departure of a number of key players.

The day ended with a number of trial games to see exactly how good the boys were under pressure. These are always tricky because boys who have never played with each other before are slung together. They were of enormous benefit for the selection committee as it really made it clear which players would be challenging for places in the Second and First Teams. This was borne out by the selections for the Walkabout Cup games against the Solent University.

The season ahead looks to be a challenging one for the First Team who, due to some reshuffling in BUSA, now find themselves in an even tougher league than before. Opponents such as Hartpury 2nd’s and UWIC 2nd’s who have both been moved up into our league, as well as the ever tricky University of the West of England and Cardiff Medics team means that the main aim in BUSA this year is that of preservation.

With the other teams, it appears that promotion from their respective leagues can be a realistic target, as long as injuries do not take the same toll they took last year, especially given the strength in depth that the club now has.

www.soton.ac.uk/~surfc/

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