This Saturday our First XV welcomes Barnes RFC to the Paddock. This is the rearranged fixture from the game frozen off earlier in the season. It is the only senior men’s match this weekend.
Last Saturday was a cracker. Sadly the 2s game was called off as Southwark was unable to field a team, but we celebrated wins for the 1s and 3s. A good victory away at Aylesford for the latter but the undoubted highlight was the victory over Guernsey in another close game, this time with Oaks coming out on top. The visitors started the game well and were difficult to shake off, but few (maybe even the begrudging Guernsey DoR😊) would have to admit the better team won on the day.
The boys showed what is required to win at this level. Oaks errors were lower than the previous week and the intensity was there for 80 minutes, against an experienced team who were forced into mistakes. It was a great atmosphere at the Paddock so a big thank you to all our supporters.
This week we play Barnes, one of the best teams in the league, sitting in third place in the table. We were soundly beaten in the reverse fixture in the autumn, not able to cope defensively with their impressive back line. We will need to be at least as determined and organised as last Saturday to get something from a very good opposition. We know we have the capability so it will be about application and concentration (again).
Five games to go including Barnes and we would be wrong to assume we are out of the relegation woods just because of last week’s win. Although N. Walsham lost, Rocheford earned two valuable points from their draw with Old Albanians. There is still much to play for.
We look forward to seeing you at the Paddock, where the boys will be giving everything.
COYO
Adam
