Bury St Edmunds’ head coach Gavin Hogg has defended the club’s recruitment policy, ahead of the first team’s quest to pick up their fifth straight National League 3 victory today.

Kiwi duo Kenny Eggars and Brenton Krammer played an integral part in last season’s historic promotion, and while they have since returned to their native country, the likes of Casey Stone, Logan Dodds and Dave Ormrod have been able overseas replacements and made positive contributions.

The signings of such players has courted criticism on some internet forums, leaving Hogg to reaffirm the club’s commitment to developing the best young talent in the area.

“We have brought through some excellent young local talent and I think that is something that we don’t get enough recognition for,” said Hogg, whose team travel to South London today to face mid-table Barnes.

“Last year we had 18 first team guys that had featured at under-17 level at our club.

“We have got a competitive pathway at the club and we have players that have come right through the youth system into the first team, or who are playing for the Wolfhounds (second team) which is a very good standard of rugby.

“What people probably don’t see is the hard work that goes on in the background and the individual work that occurs with the players, and the investment that the club puts into youth development.”

Three players that very much fit the “local” bill have all impressed Hogg so far this season and he hopes they can contribute to another good display today.

“Dan Garrod was playing in London 2 for Stowmarket last season and he has played three games on the wing for us this season which is a fantastic achievement,” said Hogg.

“We signed second-row Ben Waters from Thurston who was playing Eastern Counties rugby last season and has made the step up.

“Then there is Charlie Paske who played for Diss last season, who myself and Chris Roome (backs coach) identified from his time playing at Culford in age group rugby.

“He has the potential to be exciting at this level. He had a tough 20 minutes on his debut, but for an 18-year-old to be playing number 10 is fantastic and he scored a superb individual try last week.

“They have all done well as part of the team and we hope that continues today.

“We have a break next weekend and we have said that we don’t want to lose at Barnes and be left contemplating what could have been.

“We are probably a little less of an unknown quantity now but if we play to our potential, we feel we have got enough to bag another victory.”