Last week saw the 2nd XV go down to a very good Redingensians side. According to the coaches, they were very physical and the score was 28 nil at half time. Credit to the boys that the 2nd half score was 7-7. The standout performers in the pack were the old war horse Alfie Church, Luke Ellis and Christy Basra and in the backs the coaches were particularly impressed with Michael Sargent, Sam Walker, Harry Glennon and new centre signing Luca Townsend in the backs. Luca has played for Henley 1st xv this season mainly off the bench and he is another of the Ealing Academy boys, which we have currently playing for us, as well as Joyce and Steadman.

The 2nd XV have a week off this week with no game but next week they are playing Fullerians 1st XV in the semi final of the county cup at Hoe Lane. The 1st XV have a week off next week so training will be geared towards getting the boys right for that game. Bunter is organising a lunch beforehand, so it would be great to see as many of you up there supporting the 2nd XV as possible.

The 1st XV came through a tough game against Westcliff last week. This week sees us host Tunbridge Wells at Hoe Lane and it should be an exciting game as, from past experience, they like to play with ball in hand.

At the time of writing this the squad is as it stands but there are 3 or 4 doing fitness tests so it could all change and we have plans in place if a couple of the boys do not make it. Still on the injured list are Chris Joannou (2 to 3 weeks), Ben Lloyd (2 to 3 weeks), Dave Archer (5 to 6 weeks), Dan Belton (for the season), Ollie Cain (awaiting scan results), Jamie Prince (for the season) and Louis Cas (1 to 2 weeks).

The front row for this weekend’s game remains the same with JP, Chris Joyce and Geoff Hughes all starting again. Our scrummage was very good last week and all 3 put themselves about, especially Hughes. Harry Morgan comes on to the bench after recovering from hamstring trouble which then allows Josh Hewitt to have an injection on his shoulder.

The 2nd row retains James Kinsley and James Keens, with Tim Mathews covering the bench options. All 3 made a good contribution against Westcliff. The back row of Jack Elston, Josh Corcoran and Torran MacDougall are playing well each week and all 3 are leaders and work hard.

At half back we are saying with Ben Creasey and Rory Seymour and when both of them stick to the game plan it makes life easier in what we are trying to achieve on the park. The centres and wings are the same as last week with Michael Allen, Jack Mitchell, Richard Streets and Aaron Lowe all starting and Smart on the bench again after recovering from injury and making a good impact last week. Sean Taylor is at fullback.

Training this week has been quite punchy and this is our 7th game on the trot. There were a couple of bits to look at after last week so the boys did some video analysis and then had a lighter session on Thursday in preparation for Tunbridge Wells.

On a different note, it was great to see another old war horse back on his feet. I had a feeling it was going to be a good day at Westcliff when the boys ran out and I heard Charlie Stringer bellowing support from the balcony! From all the lads and coaches it’s great to see him up and not quite running.......yet!

See you all on Saturday at the Lane.

Thanks, Baz

1st XV to play Tunbridge Wells

15. Sean Taylor
14. Michael Allan
13. Aaron Lowe
12. Richard Streets
11. Jack Mitchell
10. Rory Seymour
9. Ben Creasey
1. John Patton
2. Chris Joyce
3. Geoff Hughes
4. James Keens
5. James Kinsley
6. Jack Elston
7. Josh Corcoran
8. Torran MacDougall

16.Harry Morgan
17. Tim Matthews
18. Stuart Smart