WE have another week under our belts training wise and the body is starting to move with purpose again.

Although cases have risen slightly and one or two teams have had to call a halt to training due to a positive case in their clubs, overall we seem to be managing okay.

The powers that be took the decision to keep dressing rooms closed for another few weeks and although it’s not ideal for teams as the games start to get more serious, it’s probably the correct thing to do.

Ideally we would all like to get back to normal but the main thing is that we keep the virus at bay so that we can see our games out this season.

We have played a few friendlies over the last number of weeks and changing in the car is not ideal, but it’s better than not having any sport at all this summer.

I can’t speak for all teams but looking at our own set up we seem to be managing the long lay-off well.

Obviously after a long period off and then a rush to get fit in time for championship, injury was always going to be a huge concern. Two of our players did pick up hamstring injuries in the first week back but since then thankfully we have been alright.

I think in order to manage this situation properly there has to be a good understanding between players and coaching staff. Players first and foremost know their bodies inside out so it’s a case of easing up if you feel something is just not right. You are better sitting out a run or two rather than trying to plough through and ending up on the sideline for a few weeks.

Before all of you training-dodgers out there see this is as a way out of the heavy stuff, it’s not as your managers will quickly spot a pattern if you keep doing it!

When you are a stone or two overweight and you are constantly holding your hamstring as soon as any heavy stuff comes along then chances are your card has been marked a good while ago.

Like the players, your coach should know just how far he can push your bodies every night without risking injuries. Gone are the days of constant running, teams now train smarter and there is a lot of emphasis on recovery.

So in order to get the best out of the team, coaches, managers and players need to be honest with each other and do what’s best for the team.

Our own regional leagues throw-in this weekend so it will be great to get back to some competitive action. During this period frustration can also kick in as you know yourself that you are not where you want to be. It doesn’t matter what level of player you are, you will need three or four games to get the brain and the body in sync again so stick with it and it will come.

We will have at least two league games under our belt before we are fired into championship action so it’s all about making the most of these games both from a players’ and a coach’s point of view.

Ideally we would all like maybe half a dozen games in order to find our rhythm but obviously things are different this year so we just need to roll with it.

We are all another week closer to where we want to be so hang in there, put the head down and get the work done as the season will be in full swing before you know it.

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