Bristol Rugby: Liam Middleton sets sights on finishing with a flourish

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Monday, February 13, 2012
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BRISTOL head coach Liam Middleton had set his side the target of two wins from their final three games of the regular season and they achieved the first victory with a six-try blitz of Moseley yesterday.

The Midlanders, who face the relegation play-offs, had already beaten Bristol at Billesley Common in the Championship, and at the Memorial Stadium in the British & Irish Cup.

Bristol have now beaten every side in the Championship at least once this season.

"Unfortunately, there are no prizes for winning this league, but if we can get two more wins in a very competitive league, it will be something special that these players have achieved," said Middleton.

"We are setting our standards and I think that we have to try to win every game we play. We are pushing the highest standards we can for the players, but I still think that we have some distance to go.

"That may take more than a few games, it will take months and probably into next season when you will see us mastering our game. But we just need to make it as good as we can in the next few weeks.

"The attitude to attack was there, the attitude to take people on and threaten their defence was outstanding. I thought that was excellent and it showed in the tries that we scored.

"This is the kind of rugby we want to play – it's part of Bristol Fashion. It's what we have tried to build really.

"But I wasn't entirely happy about how we came out in the second half. We need a little more ruthlessness, but we are a developing side and we are a long way away from being the best that we can be. We let them score a sloppy try and sometimes our defence wasn't our strong point."

Middleton acknowledged the part played by those who came off the bench, including 17- year-old Steve Uren, who has gained a full-time Academy contract with Bristol for next season.

He added: "Steve is the youngest player to play in the league for Bristol and did well when he took the field, as well as the guys that made their first starts for us. Matt Jones, at 10, had nice touches, prop Mark Lilley worked really hard. There were some changes, but there are guys who are not totally comfortable with how we are playing. Give them another week and they will be there and we came through the game without any injuries."

Bristol are hoping that skipper Iain Grieve will be back in action soon, possibly for the final game in the regular season on February 24, when Doncaster Knights visit the Memorial Stadium.

The 24-year old back row has been sidelined through the injury sustained against Esher last month, but he is looking to return before the start of the play-offs in March.

Grieve said: "I am realistically looking at being in the matchday squad for the final league game against Doncaster, but I will be talking to the specialists this week to see what they think of my progress, so anything before that would be a bonus.

"I want to get some game time under my belt before the start of the play-offs. They are going to be very tough games, no matter who we are playing, because everyone will lift their game."

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2 Comments

  • Profile image for FromMendip

    by FromMendip

    Monday, February 13 2012, 11:54AM

    “Should have read '...................Cornish Pirates this week'.”

  • Profile image for FromMendip

    by FromMendip

    Monday, February 13 2012, 11:53AM

    “"BRISTOL head coach Liam Middleton had set his side the target of two wins from their final three games of the regular season and they achieved the first victory with a six-try blitz of Moseley yesterday."

    Presumably then the coach accepts they may well lose at Cornish Pirates next week because few people would bet on the team losing at home to Doncaster.

    Middleton is right not to get carried away and the team is one that is the process of being built. Nevertheless, it's hard to point to a better one in the Championship despite the coach's recent comments that Bristol is not the best club in the league. Maybe it's his way of motivating his players.

    Bristol have done remarkably well this season. It's always difficult for the Championship teams to outdo the relegated Prem club because the parachute payments will usually mean instant promotion the following season.

    The last relegated Prem club that failed to go straight back up was.................Bristol.

    Leeds, the relegated club in the Championship this season, hasn't set the division on fire so there might not be a better time for Bristol to get back up to the top level.”

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