Rugby history is absolutely littered with instances where promotion and relegation is decided by room full of club and RFU committee members rather than on the pitch. For example, in April 2016 our near neighbours Westcliff RFC were relegated from National 3 only to be reinstated when the financial backer suddenly walked away from third place East Grinstead. In other cases, administrative "errors" regarding ineligible players have cost clubs up to 20 penalty points and robbed them of promotion. For this reason, and for personal pride, it is vital that we aim to finish as high as we can in London North 1. Every point is crucial.

Our last away game at Eton Manor was a predictably difficult assignment. Manor don't lose many games at home and would prove to be tough opposition. The task was made more difficult due to player availability. At the weekend we were short of backs throughout the senior section, to illustrate the point, the Ravens went to Ealing Trailfinders with just three backs! Although we went to Manor with a strong squad full of quality players, some of them were playing out of position; Matt Wadling at full back, Brett Cutbush at inside centre! That said, the commitment and resolve of the 18 boys on duty was outstanding and they can walk away feeling immensely proud of themselves and the result they achieved.

The Man on the Match Award went to Lewis Williams. Lewis was making his very first 1st XV start at one of the most difficult grounds in the division and against a top six side - that is quite a challenge and despite some early nerves Lewis stuck to the task resolutely and gradually took control of the situation, turning in an excellent performance. Rory Miller came on after the half time turnaround and once again he showed great commitment and athleticism around the pitch. Rory and Lewis have both broken into senior rugby this season and this game was really an acid test for both of them since their graduation from Colts rugby last season.

It was another dominant forward display. Joe Colcomb's work at the breakdown was excellent; he played a major role in a number of crucial turnovers and, as he has done so often this season, was at the very heart of the "unseen" work on the field. Without Colcomb's grit and grind the back row of Easton, Whiteman and Pickett would have been unable to launch their characteristic raids on the Eton Manor lines. Once again, our front row laid the foundations for the assault. Jerone Awesu made a welcome return to the side and through his performance he made a real claim for a 1st XV starting place; he scrummaged well, but it was his and others contribution to open play that gave our pack the edge. Jerone Awesu, Joe McMillan and Rhys Hartley all carried the ball with determination into the opposition's territory and our side was at it's most effective when they retained possession and patiently drilled a path toward the try line. Eton Manor's defence could not consistently manage the intensity of our attack and this led to a succession of force penalties that James Crozier regularly dispatched between the posts.

The essentially "new" back line did a commendable job, especially considering the positional changes. With nearly every centre selected so far this season unavailable for selection, Brett Cutbush and Damien Brambley showed their value and versatility by filling the breach and forming an outstanding defensive partnership that gave Manor very little room to manoeuvre. A trip to Eton Manor is no day at the seaside, but our boys did a great job and in many ways the score did not reflect our dominance.

As we enter the last few weekends of the regular season, our 1st XV will have the luxury of two home games on the bounce, against South Woodham Ferrers and then North Walsham. We are absolutely determined to maintain our 100% home record, secure third place and send a clear message to the rest of the division; that we will a force to be reckoned with in 2018-19.