BIG PERFORMANCE NEEDED

MATCH PREVIEW

There is nothing quite like the heartbreak of losing last play of the game. Last season we were on the other side of that coin with several final play wins and to be on the losing side last Saturday was the bitterest pill to swallow.
After an indifferent first half we went in 7-19. Esher had capitalised on their chances and we had struggled to get out of our own half for long periods. We started the second half on plan and after some early pressure won a penalty to kick to the corner and score our second maul try in the first two minutes. For the rest of the half we exchanged scores and the lead changed hands three times before we scored our final try, with eight minutes to go.
When reflecting on those final eight minutes, the benefit of a painful experience is the learnings that we can take from it. The league is more competitive than ever and I expect us to be faced with a National 2 arm-wrestle each week. Our ability to control possession and territory in the closing stages is something that we have worked on this week and will be equally as important on Saturday.
Oundle need very little introduction this season after their summer signings have been making headlines. They are a well resourced team and have players with experience from different levels of the game. This is a well-timed test for us and we know we will face a team full of confidence who sit at the top of the table. Our experience in the last few seasons has taught us the importance of the set piece battle whenever we play anyone in the top four and this is the foundation of Oundle’s strength. I have enjoyed the players attitude in training this week as we look to put in a performance to be proud of.
The Pilgrims season finally begins as they travel away to Tonbridge. It is a big game for them to start their league campaign and after a long wait the lads are ready and raring to go. I am looking forward to seeing how this group performs as the growth they have shown in the last few weeks has really impressed me

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH