Vandals are raring to go

Sep 3 2008 Surrey Herald

UNIVERSITY Vandals have been put through a punishing pre-season routine can't ahead of their London SW4 season opener at Ellingham and Ringwood on Saturday.

Head coach Ian Bardgett and fitness guru Ollie Sell have been putting the lads through their paces, and with several new faces at Brownacres competition is fierce for a first team place.

Vandals will be captained again by Guy Lovatt, who will probably move up to the second row to accommodate the return of No. 8 Ollie Hankey.

His experience in the back row at Esher and Rosslyn Park will be invaluable, while the aggressive and tough tackling of John Cottam should ensure plenty of second phase ball.

Up front there will be stiff competition, with props Guy Holvey, Wayne Mason, David Moore and newcomer Luke Godding vying for the tight and loose head positions.

Mike Bunn was hooker for most of last season, while Darryl Bryant consolidated his place in the second row, where he could be joined by Andy Howe.

Several new three-quarters have impressed in pre-season, with Cassian Branham looking very sharp. He could form a solid centre part-nership with Bill Painter, while fiery John Clark and Will Twydell look likely to form the half-back partnership

Evidence of Vandals' growing confidence has been shown in pre-season victories over Grasshoppers and especially Chobham who are currently two divisions above them.

Meanwhile the thriving colts and junior section are holding their official registration on Sunday. Training sessions are held each Sunday between 10am and 12noon.