This week has been a week of recovery for the senior squad, after bruising encounters that brought mixed results. The First XV travelled to Worthing and came away with two losing bonus points, ending up on the wrong side of a tight match with the home team winning 32-27. The Second XV faced Gillingham Anchorians at the Paddock, running out comfortable 35-0 victors. The Thirds won 52-14 against Aylesford Bulls.
Even at this early stage of the season we are seeing how the attritional and competitive nature of the leagues we are in, will test our strength in depth. Injuries are part of the game, and we will need to accept them and draw on the wide group of players we have.
This weekend sees the reverse to last, with the Firsts at home and the Seconds and Thirds away. The 2s travel to Hastings and Bexhill for their Counties 2 Kent match, whilst the 3s make the trip to local rivals Medway for their Invicta fixture.
The Paddock faithful will, I am sure, extend a warm welcome to our opponents this Saturday, Dorking. Last season saw two epic London and SE matches between Oaks and our visitors; the home match was a slug in the mud whilst the game at The Big field was by many accounts the best match of the season in the that league. Whilst we were delighted to win both games by narrow margins, we know they could have gone either way. Dorking has made a good start to the season, beating our last opponents Worthing at home, Barnes (our next away fixture) but losing to National 2 East favourites Blackheath. We know Dorking have a powerful pack and move the ball quickly at every opportunity, so we will need to be at our best to secure a positive result.
At this early stage in the season, it is pleasing to have 7 points from two games, but we know it is vital to keep picking up points in every match. The league results are showing how the teams in the league are pretty evenly matched, so concentration and a low error count in games will often be the deciding factor.
We are all very excited to be hosting our first ever National 2 East game at the Paddock this weekend. The pitch has been treated so we are very hopeful the game will go ahead. We are fully booked for lunches and are expecting a noisy crowd for what should be a great contest. We look forward to seeing you there or at the away games.
COYO
Adam