TIME TO REFLECT

SATURDAY PREVIEW

I can’t remember a time in my seven seasons at the club of going in 40-0 down at half time. We have had some tough days on the pitch, but this was new. I think after a day like Saturday there are many ways to review our performance and it is important which angle of reflection we choose. The players said it themselves after the game, there is no way we can forget how we played in the first forty. It is equally important not to gloss over what they achieved in the second half, something that no other team has accomplished against Barnes in a long time. Winning the second half 5-35, scoring seven converted tries against second in the league, is arguably as good as the first half was disappointing.

We spoke at half-time about not being satisfied coming off second best in all the micro battles of the game, believing in what we are capable of and remembering that we represent the club every time we pull on a Canterbury shirt. The strength of the reaction shows how much it means to the players to be part of this team and also what they are capable of. If we can iron out some of the small kinks the potential of this group remains very exciting.

With this being the business end of the season, when results decide league positions, tomorrow is an important game. Old Albanians sit eight points behind us, coming off the back of three wins, and it sets up Saturday as a decisive game in this round. We are focused on showing we can play as we did in the second forty minutes of last week, from the first whistle.

With their win against Dover, and tomorrow’s cancellation against Cranbrook, the Pilgrims only have two games remaining for them to maintain their position and be crowned Counties Kent One champions. It may feel very close but we will be taking nothing for granted when the tam return to action on the 22nd March, away to Heathfield and Waldron, before the final game two weeks later at home to Crowborough.

Matt Corker, Head Coach