darlington
mowden park
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Darlington
Mowden Park
D
arlington Mowden Park has been achieving fantastic success in recent times and is looking forward to the new
campaign with plenty of optimism. We caught up with their Director of Rugby Danny Brown to find out more
about the good work they’ve been doing.
RC: How’s the general mood down at the club at the
moment?
DB: As we now get to the stage of pre-season matches there
is a real excitement of being able to get on with it. I think
when you come to the end of a season there is a sense of
relief as it is a long hard season especially our first in
National 1 but that quickly turns to preparation
for the next. Being a World Cup year there is an
increased eagerness to get on and see what
the season brings.
RC: How would you say last season
went for the club?
DB: Last season was a massive
success, when you enter any league
for the first time it is difficult but the
highest the club has been in and it
has been a significant three or
four years for the club going from
National 3, through 2 and now
National 1. Starting the season
was always going to be a case
of finding our feet and it would
be a quick learning curve with
some narrow defeats proving it’s
about closing games out. Moving
on though and despite a 5 point
deduction for an admin error the
lads put in some great performances
notably Richmond, Blackheath and
Coventry. To bring the season to a close
in 9th was pleasing for everyone.
RC: What are your plans for the off-season?
DB: Hard Work! Anyone who tells you any
different is having you on. Some players have moved
on through career commitments, others after finishing
university with a couple going on to championship clubs.
So we have recruited in a few areas and look forward to
integrating those players into the squad. Pre-season started
in July and it’s a case of fitting as much in as you can without
burning the players out or peaking too soon. Replicating
game scenarios and game intensity is every coaches
challenge in pre-season but I am happy with where we are.
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