Rugby: Give me more players says Swans boss

Apr 30 2009 By Sports Reporter

STAINES RFC boss Bob Lawless wants a bigger squad next year to avoid a third successive play-off heartache.

The Swans lost the London Two play-off for the second year in a row on Saturday, going down 11-7 at home to Dorking.

And it was a double whammy as, due to the RFU’s league restructuring, victory would have seen them promoted to the national leagues.

Instead Staines, who at one stage led the league with two games in hand, jump just one division to London One, along with the rest of the London Two clubs.

Lawless said: "We need to have a look at the financing and structure of the club.

"A lack of depth cost us in the four league games we lost, and I’ll be looking to increase the size of the squad.

"Obviously it’s difficult in these times for all clubs financially, but the youngsters we were bringing in will be another year older, and with a bit of recruitment, there’s no reason why we can’t go for it again."

Lawless had no complaints about his side’s defeat, admitting Dorking were the better side on the day.

The visitors slotted over two early penalties before a try out wide gave them an 11-point lead at the break.

And although Staines pulled back a second-half try through Paul Partick which Chris Wells converted, it was not enough.

Lawless added: "Their line-out was clinical and caused us a lot of problems. They deserved the win on the day."