Back To Winning Ways

Head coach Ollie Smith was pleased Barking were able to move closer to midtable in London One North with a 31-28 success away to bottom-club Sudbury.

Jack Pearce scored two tries for the Gale Street side in the success as they earned the full five points for the first time this season.

And with Sudbury having also endured a slow start to life in the division this season, Smith was pleased Barking were able to add to their win tally to move onto nine points for the campaign.

“It was pleasing to get maximum points away to Sudbury because it is important when you come up against teams near you in the table to beat them,” said Smith.

The win also helped Barking rebound following a 30-3 loss at home third-placed North Walsham the previous weekend, meaning they are still without a win at Gale Street this season.

Barking return home this Saturday to entertain Chelmsford, who also struggled near the bottom of the table last season before securing their safety.

And Smith knows it is a good opportunity for Barking to open their account at home for the season, while also picking up successive wins for the first time too.

“We talked about getting back-to-back wins after the game against Saffron Walden, but came up against a good team in North Walsham the following week, though we were in with a shout for a while,” he added.

“After that loss to North Walsham, we bounced back well at Sudbury, so we know now that we have to try again to get that first home win on the board.

“We’ve played two good teams at home so far, but hopefully we can give our supporters something to cheer about this weekend.”

Article by Ned Keating