BRIDPORT interim head coach Wayne Munro feels things are looking more positive at the Brewery Field following some testing times for the club in 2014.

While the first team dropped a division to Dorset & Wilts Two South for the current season, the Blues’ second XV was disbanded altogether not long into the campaign.

But Munro has revealed that the club will revive the second string for the start of next term – the side is set to play friendlies initially instead of returning to the league system.

And, with some older heads looking to get back into competitive rugby, the Blues’ chief is hoping the firsts can improve on their league position of eighth.

“Things are improving for us,” he said. “We went through three or four different coaching set-ups in quick succession and there wasn’t much guidance for the players.

“They were expected to turn up and play without much training or work on set-pieces.

“But it has picked up recently and the players have got more support now.

“We’ve worked hard on the social side of things and last year had our first tour in more than 10 years.

“The committee and people behind the scenes have worked terribly hard for the club.”

He continued: “We are going to run a second team next season that will play friendly matches.

“It will be for people who can’t commit every weekend but who would still like a game every now and then.

“We’ve got Colts coming through and the worst thing you can do is chuck them into senior rugby and let them fend for themselves.

“The new second team will give them a chance to get used to playing rugby with adults.

“We’re getting a few of the older heads back like Tim Edwards and Rob Sullivan, and the more people you get to training, the more people want to come the next time.

“Everyone at the club is thinking much more positively compared to when the season started.”

The drop in the number of people playing the game on a regular basis can be seen in the amount of matches forfeited by clubs lower down the league ladder this season.

“The RFU are concerned about the number of players playing rugby from 16-24,” added Munro.

“There is so much for people to do these days that it is quite hard for a lot of boys to commit to playing every weekend.

“We’ve had less youngsters coming through, others have moved away, and some have got work commitments and had injuries.

“A lot of people are just not able to spare the time and have to work instead to make ends meet.

“Lifestyles change and the first thing to go is rugby.”

Meanwhile, Bridport host Dorset & Wilts Two South bottom club Wimborne Thirds this Saturday (2.15pm).