Farr: Break has been a blessing in disguise

AS strange as it may sound, the cold snap has been a bit of a blessing in disguise for Tonbridge Juddians.

The three-week break means the boys from the Slade have had a chance to rest their walking wounded, ahead of a crucial period which could decide their fate this season.

BACK TO FITNESS: The break has helped the likes of Brent Hamlin get over any niggles
CONFIDENT: Coach Steve Farr

The likes of Thor Normann, Brent Hamlin, Lee Campion and Mase Leuluniu are all back and raring to go. The only long-term absentee is Carl Ambrose, who has a cartilage problem.

"It has helped us out massively," coach Steve Farr said. "We had some niggling injuries and this has been a recuperation period. It really has been a blessing in disguise.

"At this time of year it does hit you – the short days and long, dark nights.

"We've had that break. Whether or not we should have that break anyway is another question. It would certainly be a big change in mindset from the RFU. But I think it would help."

He added: "We will definitely be playing this weekend. The Slade is fine now. We are desperate to play. Fortunately we have got good all-weather training facilities. But there is no substitute for playing."

The return of Kiwi flanker Mase Leuluniu is a huge boost as TJs didn't think they would be seeing him again anytime soon. After fracturing his hand before Christmas, it was thought he had badly damaged his anterior cruciate ligament against CS Rugby 1863 in January.

"He is unbelievable," Farr said. "When he went down against CS we all thought that was it. He hobbled off on crutches, but two weeks later he was back running around. Physiologically, I think he is different to everyone else."

TJs host struggling Bracknell tomorrow.

They beat them 57-13 away and Farr is confident they can do the business at the Slade tomorrow.

"It was a tough game at their place," Farr said.

"They had quite a few foreign players and were a tough nut to crack.

"They are down in the doldrums a bit, but they are a good side. We just had a purple patch for 20 minutes and managed to put them away.

"We've got Tring the following week. It really is full-on stuff."

TJs kick-off at 2.15pm.