Best yet to come for Bristol, says captain Harding

BRISTOL went into yesterday’s match against Harlequins having been in the top four all season, but Fitz Harding believes the best is still to come.

- By PAUL REES

The Bears have operated with a slim squad this season and it will drop a size in the summer with the number dropping from 38 to 31 senior players as they look to become leaner and meaner.

“We fell off a bit after a strong start to the season, but going into the last round of the campaign in the top four and not needing results to go our way, unlike a year ago, is something we would have taken at the start,” said Harding, who is in his second season as captain.

“We have had a number of injuries this season which has made life difficult. The cohesion of the group is key and when we have a full side out we are hard to beat.

“We are not a Bath spending lots of money with a squad full of internationals and world class players, but we have a good record against them and we have belief and confidence.

“I have enjoyed the captaincy — it would be a hard job if you didn’t. It brings challenges, but it is not about one player with all the weight on his shoulders. There is a strong leadership group here who drive certain elements of the game.