In their ninth consecutive season in National One, Darlington Mowden Park's director of rugby Garry Law possesses a profound understanding of the league's challenges – from demanding travel and training commitments to contending with injuries and facing teams boasting larger budgets.
The 38-year-old former Scotland A and Barbarians fly-half has been an integral part of the club for nearly a decade, first as a player arriving almost 10 years ago upon their promotion to National One, and as director of rugby for the last six years – and he still plays occasionally with four appearances so far this season.
Law has overseen a significant overhaul to the squad this summer, with a transition to youth, and he believes it is taking time for his side to become cohesive.
“This summer marked the most substantial changes in my time here, with retirements and departures, resulting in a very youthful squad,” Law told The Rugby Paper. “University players have arrived and made the step up to adult rugby, and we're still lear ning each other's playing styles, strengths, and weaknesses. We haven't undergone extensive recruitment and we don't have a huge squad as we don't have funds to recruit players.”
Amid these changes, Darlington have made an inconsistent start to the season, and sat ninth with five victories in their first 11 games coming into this weekend.
Law believes his side have shown their potential with statement victories away from home, but must find consistency.
He said: “Consistency remains a significant challenge in National One for nearly all teams including us. We've secured victories away at Richmond, Sale and Rams, but haven't fared so well at home.
“If we can do the simple things consistently well, we'll be in a great position to win games, it's a cliché, but it's undeniably true. Most challenges come from our own lapses rather than opponents outplaying us.”
Law also acknowledged that injuries have already begun to impact his small squad. He added: “Injuries began mounting in October, and while we're not down to the bare bones yet, our small squad has thinned considerably, and this weekend, we've lost players to the Dubai sevens. It is tough at times.”
