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McAvoy delighted as Newbury Blues demolish Reading in pre-season




Newbury Blues are in great shape ahead of the new season.

Their penultimate friendly fixture of pre-season saw the utter demolition of Reading RFC, 88-5.

The ‘Friday Night Lights’ game last week was the perfect confidence boost for Head Coach James McAvoy, who was in good spirits as the season draws closer.

Miles Albert in action for Newbury Blues - Photo: Peter Branch
Miles Albert in action for Newbury Blues - Photo: Peter Branch

“We've moved away from individual skills and conditioning and moved into a little bit more team shape, attacking and defensive principles”, McAvoy said.

“So that was the first time we played a little bit freer.

“This game was an opportunity to show off a little bit of shape, so being able to have that on the video to analyse has been really good.

Prop Ben Hicks with the ball for Newbury Blues - Photo: Peter Branch
Prop Ben Hicks with the ball for Newbury Blues - Photo: Peter Branch

Turnout has been excellent so far, which has delighted the Blues boss.

“We're really pleased that we managed to get 44 players out on the pitch”, he said.

“That's amazing to get those numbers out in a preseason game.

“It was actually really difficult to give everyone the minutes, so I'm glad that the players are giving me that headache.

Kyle Doel of Newbury Blues - Photo: Peter Branch
Kyle Doel of Newbury Blues - Photo: Peter Branch

Last season’s attacking style of play is set to continue, as McAvoy is keen to point out.

“As you can tell by the two score lines, we've been really excited to get ball in hand.

“We're trying to match that same kind of intensity and mindset in defence, too.

Michael Klichowicz scores for Newbury Blues - Photo: Peter Branch
Michael Klichowicz scores for Newbury Blues - Photo: Peter Branch

New faces have arrived at Blues, with Callum Varrall, Fergus Walker, Will Esam, Ollie Long and Euan Baird all joining over the summer.

“Baird has come in as a wing over from Dorset”, McAvoy explained.

“He's played in the last couple of games and that's really exciting in attack. He’s got raw pace, good athleticism.

“Ollie Long is a player who took a little bit of time out from Rugby. He's come back in and it’s just really nice to see his passion for the game come back.

“Fergus Walker is a nine, but can play in other positions in the backs coming over from Rams. He brings a really good kicking game. Callum Varrall can play all across the front too.”

“We've got skills coaches, forwards and backs specialists. I think we are still seeing this year as one of rebuilding, but it’s just really such a positive start.

“If anyone is considering coming to games or getting involved in any way, it would be a great time to join the club.”

Blues will travel away to Bracknell in their final friendly on Saturday August 31st, before their league opener on September 7th away to Chichester.



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