SATURDAY PROSPECTS
As we turn the page on preseason, this week represents the transition from preparation to action with our first league fixture awaiting us on Saturday. The squad has been outstanding over the past ten weeks, meeting every challenge we have thrown at them head-on. The data shows what we’ve already seen in training — most of the squad is in the best physical shape they’ve been in for the last four years, which is a credit to their hard work.
Having retained the majority of the squad for a second season we have come into this preseason further along the road than in previous years. Our strong finish to last season has given us a solid platform to build on and the new additions to the group have only strengthened us, adding depth and real competition for places.
The three warm-up games have been competitive and exactly what we needed. Esher and Blackheath provided us with valuable insights into where we’re strong and where we need to sharpen up. Harpenden gave us a different kind of challenge — a wet, physical game on a 3G pitch. That was important preparation as the three newly promoted teams this season all play on similar surfaces, so the experience will serve us well.
The Blackheath game was a great learning experience. It reminded us how crucial it is to make the most of the opportunities we create. That’s the next step we need to take if we want to start our league campaign on the right foot.
Colchester arrive at the Marine Travel Ground off the back of an exceptional season. They only lost two matches and finished 15 points clear of second place. Last season’s opener didn’t go the way we’d hoped and we’ve spent the summer preparing to ensure we start better this time around. Tomorrow is our chance to show what we are capable of and set the tone for the season ahead.
The Pilgrims’ trip to Crowborough highlights the level of competition we’ve got within the squad. The strength of the team travelling there speaks for itself. Crowborough was their final game of last season and those involved haven’t forgotten the bad result. They’re eager to put that right and give a much better account of themselves this time around.
Matt Corker, Head Coach
Canterbury wing Garry Jones got the best birthday present he could have wished for, scoring two crucial tries for Kent in their County Championship final victory over Yorkshire. After joining the club at the start of last season from Australian club USC the chance to play at RFU headquarters on Saturday, June 15th was a red letter day for the birthday boy. His tries came in the 50th ad 65th minutes and helped the county side to retain the title they won in 2023 by the narrowest of margins, 31-30. Garry, who is originally from Newcastle, was not the only Canterbury player to have a significant role in Kent’s successful campaign this season. He was joined in Saturday’s starting line-up by hooker Eoin O’Donoghue and flanker Cameron Murray, with Cameron Macmillan, Alfie Orris and Michael Fankah coming on from the replacements bench. It was Eoin’s pin point throwing at the lineout which gave his side a 100 per cent return in an area where they were superior to Yorkshire. In the Pool Rounds, centre Will Waddington was another first choice for the county until he suffered a shoulder injury against Hampshire. Kent’s back to back successes have been overseen by our own Director of Rugby Taff Gwilliam who also heads the county’s senior playing programme.
