Well I hope you have all recovered! What a weekend of rugby last Saturday, with two fantastic displays at Dorking, whilst the Gents lost out in a close encounter against Canterbury RFC. At Dorking’s Big Field it was a very special day with the 2s fighting superbly to draw 38 all, as the 1s edged out the league leaders to take top slot. Both games were a great advert for Level 5 rugby. Thanks again to our welcoming hosts.
Of course last week is behind us, and we are now focused on this Saturday’s fixtures. The 2s were due to welcome Bournemouth to the Paddock but unfortunately they have pulled out and we could not find a replacement, the Gents visit Tonbridge Juddians lll, while the 1s play Tring at home.
The Firsts will remember a very physical game away at Tring, so any basking in the glory of sitting in first place in the league and not being at our best, could mean last week’s win counts for nothing. The boys were pretty battered and bruised after last weekend, so we had a pool recovery session on Tuesday and then a good run out on Thursday ready for Saturday.
We picked up one or two injuries, and to keep it fresh there are a few changes to the 1s with. Alex Rolfe starts for the unavailable James Simmons, Drew Narbey starts for the unavailable Tommy Morris. With both Jonny Short & Awa Morris injured from the weekend Drew Forrester gets a start after impressing in the 2nd XV last weekend. George Flatman & James Fotheringham join Charlie Naismith on the bench.
We have three games left in the season, which I am sure you all agree has been an exciting one, as we are currently on a 13 match unbeaten run, and know if we win our remaining games we will have achieved a promotion slot. That said our focus is only on Tring who have some very good players and are a well coached side, we must be on the top of our game!
The boys were really spurred on by the loud and substantial following at Dorking, it made a massive difference. We hope you can turn out in big numbers again on Saturday to cheer the Oaks on. Sun lotion not needed this weekend I am afraid, but it will be dry, if a bit chilly. We are well prepared as ever and will do our best to entertain and maintain our winning run.
COYO
Adam