Responding To The challenge

SATURDAY PREVIEW

In last week’s preview I wrote about both squads chomping at the bit to put the previous losses behind us. I feel that the players really brought this to life, scoring a combined total of 99 points over the two games. Not learning from losing is the real crime and we feel that we have exorcised some demons. Our challenge now, for both teams, is to back up these strong performances. We know many teams in the league yo-yo between good and bad performances, but to be at the top end we have to be consistently producing our best.

In the 1st XV’s game against Old Albanians, the real turnaround from Barnes was our attack execution. We accumulated three attacking errors, and six turnovers compared to thirteen and twenty three two weeks ago. That might sound a bit negative, focusing on making less errors, but this allows the players to express themselves with the ball in hand and there were some fantastic performances across the squad.

Bury visit the Marine Travel Ground tomorrow and they sit just three points behind us even though they have two less wins. Another reminder of the importance of bonus points. They have a number of new faces this season and their league position will only improve as they bed in. I think we’re in for an entertaining afternoon of rugby and I am looking forward to seeing the team respond to the challenge.

Those of you who came to see the Pilgrims last week would have been treated to a great afternoon of rugby, the lads coming out 45-7 winners against Beccehamians. We travel with a strong squad to Dover this weekend, where last year’s end to end game pushed us all the way. We will have to be at our best again to come away with the result and the players are up for it

Matt Corker, Head Coach.