Well what a weekend that was! The senior squad fully deserved their celebrations after the 119 points scored in the First and Second XVs ‘A21 derby games. Great team and individual performances all round.
However on Sunday we quickly turned our attention to the week ahead, with 3 tough Saturday fixtures seeing the Gents travel to Cranbrook, the Seconds to Soutend and the Firsts welcoming North Walsham. The 2s currently sit top in the league whilst the 1s consolidated their third place position.
For the FIrst XV, we face a strong and in form North Walsham team who are a well coached squad. Their 270 mile round trip to visit the Paddock will bring a team who sit 4th in the league with 6 wins and 2 defeats, averaging over 30 points scored per game. We are expecting a tough encounter against a very good team, who will move the ball about and have a well oiled set piece.
Headline team news sees the return of Callam Hall, Greg Langridge, Matt Holmes (back from injury) and Will Chenery to the Seconds, with the Firsts making a couple changes from last week, drafting in Gilbert Taoho (his last home game) and Tommy Morris to the squad. The 1s are now entering an important series of matches, playing the 3 teams occupying the other top 4 places. However it would be a mistake to look too far ahead to the Wimbledon and Dorking games, so we have very much kept our focus this week on the visit of North Walsham.
We extend a warm Paddock welcome to our far -travelled opponents and look forward to the usual noisy supporters encouragement for the Oaks. The boys really appreciate it.
Good luck to all Oaks teams this bonfire weekend, when we will do all we can to deliver fireworks on the pitch too!
