Craig Ratford made a return to training this week ahead of schedule

Barking captain expects to be in contention for Redruth clash on September 29.

Barking skipper Craig Ratford has targeted a return to action against Redruth on September 29 as he aims to boost his side’s disappointing start to the National Two South season, writes Colin Munford.

Ratford began training this week in a bid to make the squad for a home tie against their Cornish counterparts after picking up a shoulder injury in a friendly defeat against Esher on August 12.

“All I am waiting on is the all clear from the physio now,” said Ratford.

“I will begin training this week, but it will be non-contact stuff with a view to playing in the Redruth fixture.

“It’s a brand new team again for us this year and sitting in the stands is frustrating, not being able to make a difference.”

And the 21-year-old believes it is not just him who is feeling frustrated at the start Barking have made, without a win in their opening three fixtures, as they prepare for a trip to Oxfordshire to face Chinnor this weekend.

“If you look at it three games and three losses is never great for any team in any sport,” said Ratford

“There is frustration amongst every one of the boys at the start, we know we can do so much better.

“But we have to channel that frustration in the right way on the pitch. Everyone has their pride as well and from speaking to the rest of the players they are all keen to make amends, starting this weekend.

“Every game is winnable and if we get the start right we can build on that and hopefully kick on.”

But the former London Scottish fly-half feels there is no stand-out side in the league this year and once they pick up a positive result, more should follow.

“Every team in this league is tough and we are only three down with another 25 games to go,” said Ratford.

“But all the teams in this league I feel are similar in their play and for us it represents a similar challenge each week.

“On our given day we can beat anyone, we proved that last year with the win over Jersey at home.”