Last week saw ‘four from four’ with the Academy winning their league match; the Gents beating Ashford, the 2’s winning at Medway and the 1’s defeating a feisty Tring team away from home. Well done to everyone! Senior fixtures this week will see the Gents travel to Canterbury, the Seconds away to Sidcup for the big Kent Cup semi-final and the Firsts hosting Maidenhead at the Paddock.
It was a pleasing victory at Cow Lane in Hertfordshire as the Firsts managed the elements well to put in a very strong second half display, having coped well with adverse wind, slope, and blinding sun in the first half. We now face a tough match against Maidenhead who although sit at the lower end of the league table has had a number of narrow defeats this season. It will be a tough game needing us meet the physical challenge posed and repeat the attacking precision we showed last week. The weather is set to be cold and wet so managing the conditions will again be a key factor.
The Maidenhead game, our last at home before Christmas, sees the completion of the first round of fixtures against all teams in the league. We currently sit 5th in the table, two points separating us from second place. Team selection for Saturday’s game sees Stuart Coleman return to the row, Awa Morris move to 15 with James Fotheringham starting at 12. Charlie Naismith & Tom Simmons rotate roles, with Charlie starting at tight head and Tom starting from the bench. Matt Holmes returns from injury and starts from the bench. We also have a very strong team out for the 2s for the Kent Cup semi-final.
The players and coaches look forward to doing everything we can to deliver a feast of rugby this weekend. For those who want a break from Christmas shopping, support will be welcome at the Paddock and at Sidcup for the 2s.
Adam
PS I am delighted to say Emma, me and the boys moved into our new house this week. The house naming discussion has been had and you won’t be surprised to hear ‘Cherry Orchard and ‘Apple Blossom’ were soundly defeated by the more appropriate ‘The Paddock’ 😊