HIGH ALERT AT OXFORD

MATCH PREVIEW

On the stroke of fifty minutes, we scored our fifth try against London Welsh and were comfortably ahead 31–5. We had navigated the first ten minutes of the second half—a period in recent weeks where we have often let the momentum swing away from us—and we had executed the plan we had prepared.
A combination of penalties, turnovers, and lineout errors saw us concede three tries in fifteen minutes, narrowing the gap to a single score and increasing the pressure on us. There was some excellent defence in the final passages of play and a great lineout steal from Charlie McGovern in the final minutes sealed the victory.
This was a much-needed win after our recent results, but there are some important lessons we must learn. As I have said many times before, there are no bad teams in this league and London Welsh have experience from leagues above, including the Championship, in their ranks. Controlling a game’s momentum is crucial if we are to continue winning and how we hand over possession to the opposition is at the heart of coming out on top.

Our attention now shifts to Oxford Harlequins this weekend, the last fixture of this three-game block. The shorter blocks we are now into are helpful in offering regular rest breaks, but it remains essential to stay focused. Oxford are a high-energy side who will play from anywhere and we travel knowing that we must be on high alert to contain their attacking threat.

The Pilgrims are also back in action with an away fixture at Sidcup, who sit second in the table. Winning their last three games has given the team renewed confidence and they are looking forward to the test that Sidcup will offer.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH