UGRL full-back James Boyles believes they can “Win the league, undefeated” as they get off the mark in perferct fashion in BUCS tier two.
It was the beginning of a new season, one that brings hope for the University’s only rugby league team, following their relegation to the second tier last season.
They travelled to Nottingham and faced a Notts side, deprived of players, with only two on the bench. The hosts picked up two injuries in the opening exchanges, leading to the game being called at half-time, with the visiting side 52 points to the good.
It was the dream start to the campaign for Glos, who firmly believe that they can make a swift return to the top flight. “It’s a really bold statement, but I really believe this, as well as Jay (head coach) and captains Joe and Oli, but I think we’re going to win the league and go undefeated this season. Then get a cup run going in February, and we’ll have every chance of winning the cup as well. I really do”.
It was a game where everything seemed to go right for Boyles and the team, getting the confident Glos team off to a brilliant start in the Southern tier 2.
“I think the boys all played really well. We stuck to our processes; it was a really well-rounded performance from us. The game plan was executed perfectly. We shifted the ball well and did everything Jay wanted us to.”
“It was a solid result, and we just kept building pressure and getting into Notts, and unfortunately, a few injuries for them, and that was the game. They came with 15, lost a couple in the first set, then they just kept dropping and dropping, and ultimately there was no way the game could continue.”
The Full-back crossed over for a try of his own, topping off what was another solid performance from the 20-year-old.
“Yeah, I think I played decent. Sometimes it’s really hard to perform to the highest level possible, but yeah, I think I was solid.”We just shifted the ball wide and scored, as they were so short on players. There was one point where we were scoring in almost every phase.
But all in all, I think I played well, did my job, but now we have to look forward to the season ahead, and hope to keep up the momentum.”
Boyles is also part of the Bristol All Golds, who most notably had a spell in League One a decade ago, and he was a part of the team that won the cup just a few weeks ago.
“We went behind at a point, but we dug deep, battled hard, and came back to win it. It was the perfect end to the season, which I’ll admit wasn’t perfect, and now we can build for next season, where hopefully we can improve.”
They will be hoping to continue their good start to the seaosn, as they travel to Leicester on Wednesday, who also picked up a big win last time out.
