Gibson praises Bicton progress

By Mark Stevens

Rob Gibson believes the progress made at Bicton College this year has been nothing short of “incredible” despite narrowly missing out on lifting the AASE League title.

Having advanced to their first-ever final at this level, Bicton were undone 39-12 at Allianz Park by rivals Hartpury College, who made it seven wins in as many years.

The Gloucestershire College maintained their perfect record by running in seven tries during an action-packed encounter against Gibson’s young charges.

Hartpury dominated the first half, leading 17-0 at the break thanks to tries from Rhys Tudor, Robbie Smith and Jordan Liney.

The first came from a fantastic cross-kick by fly-half Robbie Forbes, which dropped straight into the hand of winger Tudor. Centre Smith then added a fine individual score when he broke through and outpaced the covering defence before hooker Liney crashed over from close range.

They added four more in the second half, including two for livewire scrum-half Harry Randall, and although Bicton crossed twice themselves, through Joe Snow and Harry Skinner (pictured), there was no way back for them.

Although defeated, Gibson was full of praise for his players, who on the eve of the final had shared a meal with Exeter Chiefs first team stars Thomas Waldrom, Dave Ewers, Sam Hill and Dave Lewis.

Commenting, Gibson said: “Hartpury proved too strong for us on the day, but that will not take away from the giant strides the players have made this year. It was a terrific occasion for the Bicton team and has only provided the motivation to go even further in the upcoming season.

“For me as a coach, along with the desire to win, it’s all about seeing the players develop and put themselves in situations where they are tested at the highest level possible.

“The progress we have made is incredible and along with my coaching team, Glenn Channing, Sam Morton and Joe Satt, we have been delighted with the players’ tactical, technical and physical improvement and that will continue through the academy games that are coming up.

“It really is a bitter sweet pill for the players, but as coaches looking at the bigger picture we know we have provided them the tools to cope in the months and years ahead to allow them to play at the highest level of rugby possible.”