Last weekend saw a fine win for the Seconds away to Canterbury in the Kent Cup with a rest week for the Firsts. Midweek we have been gearing up for a big programme of rugby this Saturday; the Gents travelling to Medway, the Seconds hosting a home fixture rematch against Canterbury, whilst the First XV welcoming table topping Dorking to the Paddock. Having suffered a narrow defeat for the second week in a row when losing to Wimbledon before the break, the Firsts had a well-deserved rest before training hard this week in preparation for what will be a very tough fixture.
I have been very pleased with the commitment shown by the boys, with the players and coaches recognising the outcome of both matches came down to small margins, highlighting areas where we can do better. A Dorking side that is undefeated this season so far presents us with a challenge we look forward to. We have competed well with teams at the top of the league and now just need to reduce our errors in key areas of the pitch and be clinical when try scoring opportunities arise. We know Dorking will look to impose themselves physically, are a very dangerous side with ball in hand, and we have trained and prepared well this week in readiness.
The team selection this week sees Stu Coleman and Fred Richardson return to the starting pack, and Oliver Shirtcliff start from the bench after missing Wimbledon through injury.
I have always said we need to reach the halfway point in the season before assessing the progress we are making in London & SE Premier, and with many of the teams towards the top of the table playing each other in the coming weeks, we will get a good sense of our potential for the full season by Christmas.
The weather for Saturday looks set to be cold with some chance of sleet and rain, but the pitch is holding up reasonably well, so we are hoping for good try scoring playing conditions for both games at the Paddock. As ever we welcome a vociferous backing from the Oaks faithful and the Firsts and Seconds will do their best to serve up an entertaining afternoon of rugby. Good luck to the Gents on their trip to Medway.
Adam