TROWBRIDGE Rugby Club have made giant steps forward in the past three years says their director of rugby, Chris Watts.

As the first team prepare for tomorrow's Dorset and Wilts Vase final against Swindon, Watts has reflected on the past and insists the future is looking bright.

Watts was appointed director of rugby three years ago, with Trowbridge sitting near the bottom of the Dorset and Wilts Division One.

Now they are mid-table in the Southern Counties League South and in the final of the Vase and the quarter-final of the Bath Combination Cup.

Watts said: "At the moment the club is in a very healthy position. If I look back to when I started this role I can't believe how far we have come.

"When we were promoted at the end of last season everyone said they didn't think we would do very well and would struggle to survive in this league.

"But we have done well and haven't been beaten heavily by many sides. With the final and quarter-final to come, I think we have surprised a few people."

Regardless of tomorrow's result, Watts is confident everything is in place for further improvement although he warns it may not be immediate.

He said: "There is still room for improvement but then there always is. We need to take it one step at a time.

"The club as a whole has moved on. Lee Reed in the third team has done a really good job which in turn means the second team are looking strong.

"At the moment the reserves are sitting at the top of the merit table with Wootton Bassett which is exactly what we had aimed to do."

"When I started I think we were aiming at mid table in the league below. We have certainly surpassed that.

"We have actually taken a gamble by bringing in some younger players and asking the older ones to step aside and it seems to have paid off.

"I have seen the first team play a few times this season and I think everyone will agree there is certainly the potential there to do even better."

Former England under 21 coach, Adrian Gouldstone, was appointed first team coach at the start of the season and Watts believes he has moved things forward.

He said: "Before he was appointed we concentrated more on fitness but now we are in a higher league it was important to bring a more qualified coach in.

"The players seem to listen to him and I am sure he will stay and help us keep progressing.

"Things are going well and although it has to be one step at a time I think there are exciting times ahead.

"I just hope we can get some reward for our good season and come home with the vase tomorrow."