WELLINGTON Rugby Club, whose senior players are already back in pre-season training, have arranged three friendlies in August, writes Barry Knott.

They kick off with a home game against Western Counties West outfit Sidmouth on Saturday, Aug 12 (3.00), and the following Saturday play away to Chard who will be playing in Western Counties North this winter following relegation.

They end their build-up to the new season with a home game on Friday, the 25th, against Minehead Barbarians who won Somerset One last season under new coach Mick Orton and will be playing in Somerset Premier this season (7.30).

Former England and Bath international Graham Dawe has been at some of the training sessions, having joined the coaching staff during the summer.

“He has already identified some areas of our game which need improving,” said club spokesman Allyn Chetland yesterday. 

“We have started training earlier this year and we are working on the physical side of our game.

“We have had good numbers at training, 25-plus, and there are still players on holiday and working away.”

The first team squad has been boosted by the return of back-rowers Dan Lee, son of ex-Bath star Richard, and Harry Ramsey. Both players have been training after spending last winter Down Under travelling.

There could be an intriguing fight for the first team scrum half spot this season between Corey Jenkinson, 18, and his 37-year-old dad Tim.

“I never really thought about this until now,” said Tim. “Corey played mostly for the Under 18s last season but made his first team debut and played eight times for the 2nd XV.”

Tim, who is also now involved in the senior coaching set-up, added: “Graham (Dawe) has brought in a lot of fresh ideas. I really like him.

“I think the lads are already enjoying pre-season. They can see his ways of thinking. He is also working well with other members of the coaching team.”

Wellington open their season in the Cornwall and Devon League with an away match against Honiton on Saturday, September 2. They play their first home fixture against Lanner the following Saturday, and play away to Penryn on Saturday, September 16.

Wellington will be holding their annual meeting in the clubhouse on Friday, July 28 (7.30).