McAvoy pleased with side’s bravery, as Newbury Blues secure first win

Newbury Blues head coach James McAvoy was happy with his side’s performance away to Andover on Saturday.

Coming off the back of two defeats in their opening two games, McAvoy had asked his side to be braver and play games on their own terms.

In Saturday’s 38-14 win, that’s exactly what he got.

“We had an analysis session in the week where we had the boys in early”, he explained.

“Some of it just came down to individual effort, but that nervous energy we had about this first win certainly came out.

“We spoke to them about being braver in the first half, not waiting for a spark.

“And we basically scored a try in every ten minute stint in the first half, so that was really positive as a response from the boys.”

McAvoy is happy to use a range of methods to motivate his players, keen to encourage a new intensity and resilience within his side.

“We’ve been using some Formula One analogies at times this year”, he explained.

“Cars don’t start conservatively. There’s not a point in the race where you don’t put your foot down.

“There are pit stops for a reason, times to reassess.

“So when the lights go out at the start, we’re going.

“We’ll dictate the pace of the game, then when there are natural pit stops in the game we’ll address things tactically or technically.

“We’re also focussing on our discipline in the middle of the park, making our penalty count doesn’t allow teams into games.

“The boys should be really positive about how we can both attack and defend.”

Farnham pay Newbury a visit on Saturday, and McAvoy is expecting a tough test.

“They did the double over us last year”, he said.

“In the away game they gave us a bit of a hiding to be honest.

“We certainly owe them one for that. It’ll be a good test to see how far we’ve progressed really.

“They’ve had a good start to the season and are expected to be up there.

“Players with pro experience, well drilled, hard lines, it will be a good physical test.”

Two tries for Oli Rhoads marked a great team performance, with McAvoy praising his development.

“His confidence has grown in these last six months”, he said.

“He gives a bit of X factor in the wider channels.

“But that doesn’t happen if we don’t give him the platform.

“Ben Davies, Fergus Walker, they give him opportunities out wide and with the attacking models we put together, he’s finishing them off… a full team effort.”