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Senior Rugby: The Preview

Senior Rugby: The Preview

Laura Parker17 Feb 2018 - 07:43
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The rest weekend is over and it's time for our boys to get stuck back into their season, Jon Smith sums up their chances against Letchworth...

The season is far from over and although our 1st XV have some ground to make up on the pace-setters Brentwood and Chingford, no one should write us off and here's why...

Looking at the table and from watching our opposition this season, I think it's fair to say that Brentwood are worthy league leaders. They have clearly invested in their playing squad and bringing in experienced fly-half Brad Burr (formerly of Southend) was a masterstroke; he's the conductor of their orchestra and they follow his tune note for note. There's a methodology to their play and they are consistent.

In contrast, Chingford (currently sitting in second place) look far less comfortable. Since mid-December, they have had to grind out some tight games such as a one-point win over Eton Manor and single try victories over North Walsham and Ruislip, not to mention their defeat here at Mill Road. Looking at match reports they are picking up a significant number of yellow cards (often 2-3 per game) and this is undoubtedly impacting upon their performances.

The fixture list doesn't lie and there are difficult games on the horizon for Chingford including Brentwood, Amersham and Chiltern and a tricky away game at Old Haberdashers. The bottom line is the season isn't over and I wouldn't be surprised if Chingford slip up a couple of times before the final whistle. I think anyone that has seen them play this season will acknowledge that they have some excellent qualities; they are tenacious and with momentum they're hard to stop, but they play 'on the edge'. As we approach the final few games the pressure could push them over that edge and, metaphorically speaking, we need to be on their tail, ready to seize the moment. So now we push on, looking for bonus point wins whenever we take to the field.

We have suffered one or two early-season injuries and there have been some player availability issues, but in recent weeks the side has started to settle and as a result our overall game management has progressed. Our home form has been faultless and now we need to adopt the same approach on the road for our last three away games of the season (Letchworth, Old Priorians and Eton Manor).

Our next opposition Letchworth have been having a tough time in recent weeks with three consecutive defeats, including a 134-5 defeat at Brentwood. No one will be taking Letchworth lightly - teams in this division vary from week to week depending upon player availability so our boys will go into the game determined to earn every point. The opposition is irrelevant; it's all about our performance.

This week we go to Letchworth with an unchanged XV from the side that dispatched Ruislip 59-19. It was one of our most complete performances of the season and it was clear that the boys had a real point to prove as Ruislip came off second best in every aspect of the game.

The scrum and line out look rock solid. The hooker is pivotal in both and Charlie Thorogood and Rhys Hartley are locked in a battle for the No.2 shirt and both of them have been in fantastic form. They both offer different qualities but are equally competitive and never take a backward step. The second row has looked stronger than ever in recent games and young Joe Colcomb continues to be one of our most consistent performers. Joe does the unseen work and can always be relied upon to do his job. The back row has been outstanding and there is real competition for places. Harrison Pickett put in a man of the match performance against Ruislip and the thing we must remember is that he has only had a handful of games this season after an 18-month break from rugby!

Brett Cutbush has had a great season. At scrum-half, fly-half, full back (and anywhere else!) he brings tenacity, creativity and intelligence. Having a player of his ability and flexibility is absolutely priceless and over the course of the season he makes a massive contribution.

The pace across the back line is a massive asset and whenever Will Brown, James Crozier and Dave Brennan get the ball in space they look incredibly dangerous. As a unit, if we continue to respect possession, and iron out one or two individual errors, we will begin to fulfil our enormous potential.

The Ravens are the only team at home this weekend as they taken on Old Albanians (2.00pm kick-off). The Ravens have not had a game for a number of weeks due to the New Year break, the Zoo League schedule and player availability, so they are raring to go. This week the Ravens have an extremely strong side taking on eighth place OA's. Rob Pickard makes a welcome return to action following a period of injury and in the backs, there's a wealth of 1st XV experience with Matt Barnes, Julian Chamberlain-Carter, George Liversidge and Lewis Williams making up a very exciting back division.

Our A XV hit the road and make the long trip to Norwich Union RFC. NURFC are unbeaten in 2018 having started the new year with three consecutive wins. The second phase of the competition looks very challenging and our A XV have a tough group. Kick off at Bakers Lane is scheduled for 2.30pm.

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