Spiers heaps praise on his title winners

10:01am Thursday 17th April 2008

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Rugby: Victorious Chippenham first team manager Robbie Spiers believes it was vital the club clinched promotion this season.

They won the South West Two East title with a convincing 42-7 win over Swanage and Wareham at Allington Field on Saturday.

And Spiers says they had to bounce back to South West One at the first attempt.

"We would have been languishing playing a level of rugby we are too good for," he said.

"As well as a better quality of rugby there are better grounds and referees and it is also a faster tempo of rugby, which is in keeping with the Chippenham ethos.

"We would also need to improve the squad and replace some regardless and it would have been difficult to attract a better quality of player."

But the current squad has impressed this season and Spiers says it was the determination of the staff and players which shone through.

"Right from the start we were saying if we missed a tackle then it could cost us promotion," he said.

"That is where the lads have really impressed."

Spiers and coach Rob Alford will now stand down from their positions, with the club due to make an announcement on a new coaching set-up within the next two weeks.

Chairman Ed King praised the outgoing duo and is delighted their final season finished in success.

He said: "It was a fantastic result and we have won the league with one game to go, having been top all season.

"It was not just the 18 players on Saturday but the 40 or so who have played this year and it is a massive boost for the whole club."

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