TABLE TOPPERS WILL TEST US

MATCH PREVIEW

In this game, if you’re five percent off mentally, you’re miles off on the scoreboard. I’ve said it before in this column — and Havant was another reminder. While we weren’t miles off on the scoreboard, we were miles off in terms of performance compared to the previous week against Dorking.
Our last defeat before that was away at Oundle on 8 November, so to go nearly three months unbeaten is real credit to the players for their hard work and the strides we’ve made in taking our game to the next level. Unfortunately, that doesn’t soften the disappointment.
After a poor start, scores either side of half-time brought us back into the contest and levelled things up with 38 minutes still to play. At that point, I fully expected us to kick on. Instead, errors and poor execution stopped us from taking control. We fell behind again, fought back to level terms, but if you give a good team in good form too many opportunities, you’ll eventually pay the price.
The positive is that we know exactly what needs fixing. After a week to recover some battered bodies, we welcome table-topping Old Albanians to the Marine Travel Ground. They’ve been outstanding all season, with just three defeats to their name. Although we scored five tries in the reverse fixture, it wasn’t enough for us to leave as winners. Containing their attacking threats will be crucial if we’re to come out on top this Saturday.
The Pilgrims are also back in action against Old Reigatians. To be truly safe and avoid a relegation play-off, we need to finish ninth — a position currently occupied by Bromley, one place and one point above us. With six games remaining, every point is vital, which makes Saturday a big one.
As we enter the business end of the season, this is exactly where we want to be — competing in meaningful games. Now it’s about producing our best rugby when it matters most.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH