Pride can spur Blues to big finish

Rob Lawrence is feeling a mixture of pride and frustration at Chichester's debut National League season Picture by Kate Shemilt C121019-3

ROB LAWRENCE has told of his pride at how Chichester have adapted to life in rugby’s National League – and how it is tempered by frustration at missed opportunities that could have put them top of the table.

The Blues head into Saturday’s massive visit to Barnes in fifth spot in the 14-team National three London south east, still with an outside chance of second place and a promotion play-off.

They have scored some memorable victories over the top teams in the league, but have suffered too many defeats against struggling sides and in games they had chances to win.

It’s a case of mixed feelings for Lawrence, the club’s head coach and rugby development officer, but he has urged his squad to have a big final push in the final seven matches to give themselves a chance of a second staight promotion.

The Blues are only nine points behind the side currently in the play-off sport – London Irish Wildgeese – and Chichester visit them on the last day of the season.

Lawrence said: “I have a lot of pride in what this group of players and this club have achieved over the past year. We’ve succeeded against the best teams the league has to offer – we’ve beaten three of the current top four and hope to make that four out of four at Barnes on Saturday.

“But I’m also fuming at missed opportunities – games we could and should have won.”