RICHARD Huish College are enjoying a hugely successful season and are running three sides for the first time.

The 1st XV reached the South-West regional finals of the national colleges seven-a-side competition by beating Cornwall and Bridgwater before losing 41-21 to Truro College at the final hurdle.

Huish also won the Somerset county NatWest Cup, by beating Millfield 17-10 and Beachen Cliff (Bath) 38-0 and now face Truro in the regional finals early in the New Year.

In addition eight Huish players have been selected for the South-West colleges team that will compete in the national finals at Telford in January.

Head of Rugby Chris Heal said: “This has been a real year of success for rugby at Richard Huish College and this season has got off to a flying start for us.

“We have never been able to field three strong sides before “We had a good platform to work on before the start of the 2013-14 season and the squad has worked really hard and built on from last year’s success, which is a testament to their dedication.

“Rugby seems to be getting stronger every year at RHC and the boys are producing impressive performances against quality opposition.”

Heal acknowledges the support he has received from his bosses at Huish.

He added: “The new principal, John Abbott, who joined us in June, comes from a strong sporting background and has given us great financial support and encouragement at a time when other colleges seem to be cutting back, which is really great.”

Heal also paid tribute to his assistants Rob Allen, who is in charge of the 2nd XV, and Haydn Johnson, who runs the 3rd XV along with all the players in the squad.

He said: “There is a real commitment from all of the players and their coaches. They play rugby four days a week and that’s in addition to their full time education so it shows real dedication.

“It’s just great working with the youngsters and they are hungry for even more success and see how far that they can go.”

The recent success of rugby Huish is also attracting more youngsters to join the college.

He said: “We are attracting even more rugby players at RHC now, some of who would have gone to Exeter College in the past.

“That is great news for us and for Taunton because it means that we are keeping these youngsters local.”

However Heal is not resting on his laurels and is already looking towards next season.

“We have already put a pre-season tour in place for 2014-15 which involves time in Truro and a trip to Hampshire and our fixture base is getting stronger which will be a huge benefit to the team.

“We are moving forward every year and improving all the time, which is great for everyone.”