Bristol’s base is strong, we must be too – Mark Sorenson

Bristol club captain Mark Sorenson concedes his side could still be carrying some mental baggage after three failed promotion bids.
But following a summer rebuild, he is confident the West Country outfit can negotiate the Championship play-offs at the fourth attempt.
Heartbreaking play-off defeats in 2010, 2012 and again against London Welsh in June mean Bristol face a sixth year outside the top-flight.
But asked if his side might have a mental block when it comes to the art of winning promotion, Sorenson told The Rugby Paper: “You do think about these things and don't like to admit that there is, but if there is you need to bury it.
“The result in June spoke for itself, but that's history now and it was done and dealt with quickly. We've had a turnover of players, coaches and conditioners since then and the whole structure and vision of the place is quite clear to see.
“It's such a solid base here now and that's what makes it so attractive and exciting for current internationals coming to the place.
“You have to come to perform, though, and that's what we're going to be judged on again at the end of the season. It's a challenge for this group, however it's put together, to achieve that but we're determined to meet it head-on.”
Sorenson is part of an impressive leadership group at Bristol that includes Welsh internationals Ryan Jones and summer recruit Dwayne Peel.
Bristol also pushed the boat out to recruit Samoan Test stars Jack Lam, David Lemi and Anthony Perenise to bolster their promotion bid.
Sorenson sees similarities between Bristol and where his old side Northampton were five years ago as they clawed their way back to the top.
“Firstly, the support base is similar,” he explained. “Bristolians love their rugby, know their rugby and show that by turning up to away games in big numbers.
“I can liken the potential here to Northampton, without a doubt, but I don't think we want to follow anyone, we're trying to create our own Bristol style.
“The style of rugby we want to play is to be very good at the basics, but then we want to really express ourselves and take every opportunity.
“There are lessons to be learned from last season but that doesn't dampen our ambitions and we want to be strong people on and off the field.
“We're not there yet, but the base is strong and if we stick to what we're doing and everyone buys into it, it's going to be a really exciting time.”
Bristol have an early chance to test themselves when would-be challengers Worcester visit their new Ashton Gate home next Sunday.
Sorenson added: “Worcester will want to go straight back up and there's no hiding from that.
“We'll get a big test first game of the season but we're looking forward to getting to Ashton Gate and a lot of supporters are excited by that.”
NEALE HARVEY
*This article was first published in The Rugby Paper on August 31.