Huxtable forced to step down as head coach

Marlow RFC coach Russ Huxtable had the thrill of watching his team gain promotion through the play-offs on Saturday, but knows he will not be in charge come the start of next season.

Huxtable is in the RAF and is being deployed to Afghanistan in September meaning the Riverwoods club are starting a search for a new head coach before they get underway in South West 1 East.

He said of the vacancy: "We have put some feelers out without any real response, so we will advertise widely for an experienced coach. No-one within the club has necsessary expertise."

He added: "I may be going to Afghanistan but I will be logging on the website to see how the guys are doing."

Looking back over the season, Huxtable said: "Our aim was to get promotion after being relegated last year on points difference. It's not always easy to bounce straight back, but we worked on certain things to give us a chance.

"We improved our fitness which enabled us to score points late in matches and we worked on our handling and decision-making.

"For next season I'm sure we will have to draw in some players and also use the good young players who are coming through. Things look good."