A DETERMINATION to get out of the blocks quickly is paying off, according to Ross High’s head coach.

The rugby side scored early doors in both halves against Duns at the weekend to help stretch their impressive start to the season.

Sitting top of East League Division One, the Tranent outfit have won five out of their opening six games.

Ross Watters, head coach at the club, was keen to see that continue against Portobello this weekend.

East Lothian Courier: Ross Watters is delighted with Ross High's early season formRoss Watters is delighted with Ross High's early season form

Watters (pictured) said: “We have been putting a lot of emphasis on the way we start games, especially away from home.

“In away games before Covid, we would find ourselves a score or two behind early doors.

“We have put a lot of emphasis on changing that in training.

“We are starting training well and carrying that through to the Saturday as well.

“A lot of credit – all the credit – has to go to the players. Ultimately, they are the ones playing the games and doing well just now.”

Saturday’s 45-12 win in the Borders was Ross High’s fourth away trip from the opening six games of the campaign.

A defeat on the second day to Linlithgow is the only blot on their copy book and has allowed them to open up a seven-point gap over Royal High at the top of the table, although the Capital side have two games in hand.

Watters said: “We spoke about the away performances after the game on Saturday.

“We highlighted that it was three tough away fixtures we have come across and to get 15 points – the win and the bonus point – from that point of view we are obviously delighted.

“We cannot ask anymore than that and that is the message we have put across.”

East Lothian Courier: Ross High (blue), pictured against Haddington earlier this season, have enjoyed an impressive start to the seasonRoss High (blue), pictured against Haddington earlier this season, have enjoyed an impressive start to the season

It is a revamped set-up at Ross High, with Michael McNeil joining the coaching team.

The former club captain is working alongside Watters, Liam Law and Andrew Fleming to ensure the side is heading in the right direction.

Watters praised the impact of McNeil, who is aiming to bring more youngsters from the club’s colts side through to the senior team.

The early-season success has been matched by the numbers involved with the club.

The coronavirus pandemic saw last season scrapped entirely and the campaign prior to that was halted.

Watters told Courier Sport: “I think what worked well for us, even during Covid, when the SRU (Scottish Rugby Union) allowed, we were still doing some form of training.

“For the most part, the numbers were quite good.

“It continued into the start of the season as well and our numbers are generally quite good just now.

“On a training night, we are into mid to late 20s on average, which is really good.”