Former coach Chris Brown gave up his role at Polson Bridge in March 2009

Former Launceston coach Chris Brown reckons that they have more than enough quality to avoid relegation.

Launceston began the season with a 20-point deduction after going into voluntary liquidation.

But, although they remain bottom of National One, the Cornish All Blacks are now only nine points adrift, with still more than half the season to go.

"I think they'll survive as there's too much quality in their squad," Brown told BBC Cornwall.

"It'll be tight," added Brown, who stepped down from his role at Polson Bridge in March 2009. "But they have a very talented playing squad with a lot of very good players.

"And, if they focus on performance rather than league position, I'm sure they can come through.

"It's important they don't get too far in front of themselves. They've got to try and take their eye off the league situation.

"But, without doubt, they'll have to be at their best in the second half of the season to avoid relegation."

Having started the season so far behind the rest, Launceston have so far proved inconsistent, with only four wins from 12 games, the most recent of them 30-20 at home to Wharfedale.

But that is one win more than Cornish rivals Redruth, on whom they have also made up ground by claiming seven more bonus points.

Launceston are at fifth-placed Blackheath this Saturday (4 December, 1500 GMT), while Redruth, who have a game in hand, host Coventry.

But Launceston's best chance to close the gap could come in a fortnight's time when they go to Redruth (18 December, 1400 GMT).

They won the corresponding fixture 40-15 at Polson Bridge earlier in the season.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version