Rogers: Helensburgh form can be springboard for success next season

Burgh defeated fourth-placed Oban Lorne 31-23 at Ardencaple on Saturday, their third win in a row in the West District First Division.

Before those victories Helensburgh were staring at possible relegation but are now clear of danger after going on their best run of form this season.

With bottom club Garnock coming to Ardencaple on the last day of the season on April 30, Rogers is confident of ending the season on a high with another win.

He said: “It was a cracking win for us on Saturday. We had momentum and we started strongly with a good defence. Oban are fourth in the table for a reason but we managed to take them on in all areas of the park.

“The past three games we have played very well. Going into the final game against Garnock, if we win that, which I’m confident we will, we’ll have won four out of four. We’ve spoken about how these last four games can be our springboard into next season. The way we finish this season is the way we want to start next year and we can kick on from there.”

This was 25-year-old Rogers first season as skipper of the club. Although the centre has enjoyed leading the team, he admits that it’s not all been plain sailing.

The team went on a run of just one win in 12 games during a campaign marred by injury.

However Rogers believes Helensburgh will be stronger next season as he expects the bulk of the squad to stay together and Helensburgh’s younger players to go from strength to strength,

He added: “I think the bulk of the squad will stay on for next season. We’ve got some young players coming through who will only get better. Matthew Holland has played the last three games, he’s only 17 and he’s been outstanding.

“I’ve enjoyed being captain, it’s been great leading this group of guys because I know they are all committed to the cause.

“Sometimes when things don’t go well it’s not an easy job to steady the ship but it is something that you have to do if you want to have a successful team.”