DAVE SANSOM is delighted with the progress Plymouth Argaum’s colts are making.
Sansom stepped down from the demanding role of director of rugby at Bickleigh Down in the summer after five successful seasons with the first team, which included two promotions and a Lockie Cup success.
However, rather than turn his back on coaching totally, Sansom, who also runs a business, decide to return to working with the club’s colts, which was what he previously did and which he always found rewarding.
And he admits he is enjoying helping to try and produce possible first team players of the future.
The team have made a good start to their season with two wins out of two. They beat Tavistock 6-0 in their first match and then beat Brixham 27-14 at home last week.
“I am really enjoying it,” said Sansom.
“I am really happy with the team. They are a really good bunch of lads and it is exciting to see them improving week by week.”
He added: “We played two games and won two.
“We were let down in pre-season so we kicked off the season by playing Tavistock. We won the game but there were a few things to work on. On Saturday we played Brixham, who are a good side, and we beat them.
“Training went well over the summer and they are all really keen, but we are still a bit light and so ideally we could do with another two or three players.”
Sansom says it is really important for a club like Argaum to try and produce their own players.
The club are gradually introducing junior teams. As well as their colts, they also have an under-14 side and run mini rugby for youngsters under-nine on a Sunday morning at the University of St Mark and St John.
“It is good for the club to have a colts team,” said Sansom.
“We are gradually squeezing out junior sides. The club is really kicking on and looking in a healthy situation, which is really pleasing.”
Sansom has two coaches also helping him with the colts, Steve Nimmo and Viv Harris, and he admits it is a nice change after the pressures of dealing with the seniors for five years.
This weekend Argaum’s colts will make the short trip to Horsham Fields to play Plymstock Albion Oaks, who are another city Cornwall/Devon League team trying to produce their own players for the first team.