AWAY FORM WILL BE TESTED

MATCH PREVIEW – LONDON WESH

Our half-time team talk against Oundle was simple: we felt we were playing within ourselves and were not winning collisions, especially in defence. This meant we were playing the game Oundle wanted to play and the score reflected that.

The result speaks for itself, but the way the players changed the course of the match-by dominating collisions and imposing our game plan—was really impressive. It must be one of the best forty-minute performances I have seen from a Canterbury side. Scoring forty-four points in one half against the team sitting second in the league is a real achievement and shows just how dangerous we can be with the ball.

The challenge now is to take that performance on the road to London Welsh this weekend. London Welsh have had a challenging couple of weeks but still boast a 60% home win record. In our first meeting they finished strongly and ended the game within a score, even though we led 31–5 with just over fifty minutes played. Our home performances in the last five games are ones we are proud of, but our away form has not been equivalent. Tomorrow is a big test for the squad to prove we can play our game on any pitch.

The Pilgrims’ loss last Saturday to league leaders Sidcup was as close as the score line suggests, finishing 12–19. A great solo effort from Owain Collins gave the Pilgrims their second try, and a valuable bonus point, with the final play of the game. However, much of the second half was played in and around the Sidcup twenty-two. Sidcup’s defence was resilient and we failed to capitalise on the opportunities we created, which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.

The Pilgrims have a rest this weekend and, with three games to go and only four points separating them from the safety of ninth place, every result will count when they return to action.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH