MATCH PREVIEW

HAVE WE LEARNT?

I think the standard of our preseason fixtures raised a few eyebrows. The three teams we faced were either coming down from National 1, going up to it, or finished 5th last season — all strong sides, but that’s exactly what we wanted.
The only way we improve as a team is by being challenged and stepping up to those challenges. The only way you learn to climb mountains is by climbing mountains, and I’m incredibly proud of how the lads have worked and responded to everything we’ve thrown at them over the past 11 weeks.
Last Friday night, at Blackheath, the scoreline was humbling but the lessons we took from that match were priceless in shaping our preparation. This week’s training has been focused on a few key areas that we know will be vital when we travel to Barnes on Saturday..
Barnes have been one of the most consistent sides in recent years, finishing in the top three for the past three seasons. When we faced them back in March it was the definition of a game of two halves. We started with one of our poorest 40 minutes of rugby but came out after the break and delivered a second-half performance that very few teams have ever managed on their pitch.
Saturday gives us the challenge we need. It’s a chance to test ourselves, to measure our progress and to find out if we’ve learnt the lessons from preseason.
Meanwhile, the Pilgrims kick off their first fixture in Regional 2 South East as we welcome Battersea Ironsides to the Marine Travel Ground. It’s crucial we get off to a strong start and Battersea — who finished 5th last season — will provide the toughest opposition the Pilgrims have faced since before COVID.
It’s also a special day for Mal Graves and Nathan Morris who take charge of their first league game. It promises to be an exciting afternoon of rugby, both home and away.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH