Double Bill At The MTG

MATCH PREVEW

Doing things better than we did last season is one of the ways we measure our progress. We spent a good amount of time unpicking last season’s defeat at Old Deer Park and reviewing our away attacking performances. Only the purists will remember that we scored 215 more points at home than away last season. Putting 39 points on the board on the road helped to exorcise that particular demon.
It also kept us as the fourth-best attack in the league, just 13 points behind Oundle. Only five points separated London Welsh and us at the final whistle, but as I said to the players afterwards, we have to become comfortable winning an arm wrestle. Not just a few times a season but every week. London Welsh recruited well over the summer and are a much-improved side, regardless of their current league position. The same can be said of every team in this league. We have to be prepared to roll up our sleeves every week and be ready to perform at our best, because every fixture will present a stern challenge.
This Saturday is no exception as fourth-place Guernsey visit us. They have also suffered some narrow defeats against the top sides in the league and have added some experienced operators to their squad since our last meeting. Saturday will be no different from any other game we have played this season: only our best will do.
The Pilgrims are also back in action this week, with Deal and Betteshanger making the trip to Merton Lane. We currently sit fifth, level on points with Deal and Betteshanger and just eight points off the top of the league. This weekend presents an opportunity to climb the table but we know an experienced side, with some very familiar names in their ranks, will be coming to the Marine Travel Ground looking to make their own statement.
With great weather forecast and both the Pilgrims and 1st XV playing at home, we have two fantastic games ahead. Why would you want to be anywhere else?

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH