Rest Brings New Energy

MATCH PREVIEW

I can’t remember a time when we have scored six tries and still lost a game. Our attack, which has been a recent focus, has truly come back to life — with the team scoring eleven tries across the last two fixtures. The disappointment, however, lies in conceding forty-three points at home when Bury visited us two weeks ago.
The main causes of our downfall were our discipline and execution. It’s very difficult to win a match when you concede twenty-three penalties and we too often surrendered possession in key areas, which Bury capitalised on. The frustration is heightened by the fact that we started so strongly and went into half-time leading by ten points — having played up the hill. Not my favourite Saturday.
The week’s rest came at a good time and it’s been refreshing to see the players return with renewed energy to what were tired bodies. The only way to exorcise the demons of our last performance is to travel to Oundle and deliver a very different account of ourselves.
Although this is Oundle’s first season in National 2 we are by no means underestimating them. They have a squad full of experience and have made a strong start to the campaign. Our focus is firmly on getting back to our best and ensuring we come off the pitch feeling very different from our last outing.
The Pilgrims registered their second consecutive win of the season, taking all five points away to Old Reigatians. Another strong performance saw them secure the bonus point before half-time, lifting the team to tenth in the table — importantly, outside the relegation zone.
The next few weeks bring some tough challenges for the Pilgrims. First up tomorrow, sixth-place Old Colfeians visit the Marine Travel Ground followed by a trip to second-place Sidcup and then third-place Sutton & Epsom back at home.
We’re hopeful that, in the coming weeks, a number of players will be returning from injury to strengthen the squad. I’m looking forward to seeing the added competition that will bring across both teams.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH