Three second half tries were sufficient to secure a win - our fourth consecutive win of the season. A win that for the entire first half, might have looked somewhat unlikely when we trailed 12-0 at the break. We were well aware of Brentwood and their capabilities - they had secured the services of former Southend Saxon players Aston Bevans-Royston (prop) and Brad Burr (Fly Half) and they were a very different side to the one we played three years ago. As a team we know that we have the ability and creativity to play fabulous rugby and when it all comes together it's a joy to watch.

Pip Churchyard, our lead physiotherapist, pulled out all the stops on Saturday and did a magnificent job keeping 15 players on the pitch! Such is the pace and physicality of Level 6 rugby, I sometimes feel that three substitutes is simply inadequate and an early injury (or two!) requires extreme improvisation. Utility players; those who can play in multiple positions, are few and far between and there aren't many wingers who can also do a job at second row! Against Brentwood we were forced to mix and match and improvise at times, but despite the challenges we finished the game with a win.

There are now three unbeaten teams in London 1 North. Colchester, Amersham and Chiltern and Chingford - our next opponents. There is already a four point gap between the teams in 3rd and 4th place in the division; this is small, but significant when you consider that we are only into Week 4 of the season.

As I have said many times, our campaign will be a real test of our squad strength, not just the fifteen on the pitch and our squad will be pushed to its absolute limit over the next couple of weeks due to a growing injury list. Shelford Meads was ruled out of the Brentwood game and experienced campaigners Matt Wadling, Liam Pickett and Joe Reid all finished the game watching from the sidelines with injuries; changes on Saturday for our clash with Chingford are highly likely; more about Chingford in my preview on Friday.

If the Brentwood game was a test of our spirit, it was a test that the lads once again passed with flying colours. There is a quiet determination amongst the boys and at half time I felt that we were still very much in the game and had the potential to quickly turn the game around - and we did. Our approach was typified by George Liversidge, our Man of the Match, who pushed forward from inside centre throughout the first half and presented a consistent threat. George very much deserved his award - it is a fitting tribute that recognises a series of strong performances. George has made significant changes to his game, moving from the pack to centre over the course of the last two seasons. George was prepared to take a few steps sideways in order to progress his game and his hard work is really beginning to pay off, for himself and the team. George picked up a meal for two voucher from our partners Milsoms, and a bottle of prosecco courtesy of Nethergate Wines.

Elsewhere our Ravens came up against some seriously tough opposition in the shape of Tring 2's. Tring were promoted in National 3 at the end of last season and they are making excellent progress; this was reflected by the standard of their second string XV. The Ravens spirit remains superb, numbers in training are exceptionally good and we are recruiting new players who are making a great contribution to the squad. This week a special mention for our young second row Rory Miller who has made a superb transition from Colts to Senior rugby. Rory has worked hard and with support from his more experienced team mates he is rapidly becoming one of our 'finds' of the season.

Our A XV continued on their own winning streak in Eastern Counties 1 (South), defeating Ipswich Magpies 48-7. It's a great start to the season for the A XV who have amassed 22 tries in 3 games and conceding just three - an indication of our strength in depth. Again, more young and developing players are taking to the field, with Laren Roper making his senior debut with a couple of tries on the right wing.

With four sides taking to the turf on Saturday there was a great atmosphere at the club. Our 'one club' philosophy is very important to us and it was great to see players from across the section spending time together.

Finally, thanks to everyone for the support they have shown to the family of Josh Gilbert. The one minute of applause on the 1st XV pitch was a demonstration of the solidarity that exists and flourishes in rugby union. The game might be confrontational and physical, but it is played by the courageous, committed and loyal. Rest in peace Josh, the thoughts and love of your rugby family are with you.