1st XV
Last Saturday our boys showed considerable resolve to come away from Old Haberdashers with a 21-22 win that puts us back into second spot going into the second rest week of the season. We knew that Old Habs would prove to be a stern test. They are an 'old school' rugby club whose side can vary from week to week depending upon who's available. Despite the fact that they do not generally have the time to train, they are a very dangerous side and our one-point victory represents their first home defeat of the 2018-19 campaign; this puts our win into some context, but I think it is also fair to say that there is plenty of capacity for improvement in our performance.

The game, although entertaining at times, was punctuated by a series of penalties, injuries and breaks in play. The coaching team were forced to shuffle the pack several times due to a number of niggling injuries and tactical replacements. These moves were necessary but undoubtedly somewhat disruptive, but it is important to make decisions in order to ensure that the game doesn't drift. Injuries to Rhys Hartley and Ben Murphy will be assessed over the course of next week, but at least the approaching 'rest week' from league competition gives them a fortnight of breathing space.

Ironically, we started very brightly, scoring a try after just three minutes, but as the first half unfolded the Haberdashers ability to pick good lines and make use of the deceptively steep slope, meaning that they clawed back the deficit and went into the second half with a one try advantage. Haberdashers are a canny side and from my observations, their front row were well versed in some of the dark arts of scrummaging. However, in the final quarter, our pack began to exert some authority over the scrummage and won a couple of crucial confrontations late in the game as Haberdashers pressed for a fourth try that would have undoubtedly sealed our fate. Crucially, our boys launched a late rearguard action consisting of a try and a penalty that stunned the home side - it was a blow from which they never recovered and for the last five minutes, our boys defended resolutely until the final whistle. The game was poised on a knife edge for the final ten minutes; try for either side would have earned a bonus point win but due to the pattern of scoring it would have also denied both sides a losing bonus point. Given the situation our boys deserve praise for the maturity and poise they demonstrated in the closing minutes; it was a game that could have easily been lost and four point that could prove to be very important.

The midfield proved to be the crucial battleground. Haberdashers were at their most threatening when their inside centre Simon Miller ran at our defence. His line breaks were well timed and he had a hand in two of the three tries scored by the home side. Similarly, our very own Damien Brambley (outside centre) proved to be Haberdashers nemesis. Every time Damien had even a fraction of space he consistently broke the gain line and skipped through multiple tackles to open up opportunities for our back line. Damien's performance and ability to inspire the side earned him the man of the match award. As always, we would like to thank our sponsors of the 1st XV Man of the Match - our friends from @Twenty5 in Ipswich and Nerthergate Brewery. From my perspective I would also like to acknowledge David Higgins and the contribution he made to our victory. Higgins made several elusive breaks throughout the game, scored the opening try and slotted a number of crucial kicks, including the late penalty that secured the win - there was a lot of pressure riding on those kicks and he rose to the occasion.

The league is beginning to take shape. Rochford maintained their 100% record with a win over North Walsham at Magnolia Lane, but reports indicate that they did take control until late in the game. In fact, Walsham led for a prolonged period, but as they approached the final 20 minutes Rochford exerted their authority. Again, this result shows that Rochford have some momentum, but they are far from invincible. Personally, I think it is significant that we have already recorded away wins over Walsham, Old Haberdashers and Eton Manor - these are trips that Rochford are yet to make. Of course, every side would want to be in pole position, but the season is by no means over and there are a lot of points still to play for.

A XV
The A XV scored a thumping 52-10 win over Ipswich at Mill Road. Despite running in eight tries to one, Ipswich threw everything they had at the A XV defence, but our boys defended magnificently. Joe Walters and Sam Lines in particular, were outstanding and deserve a special mention. The victory over Ipswich is the A's fourth win on the bounce and this result keeps them within touching distance of the leaders Hadleigh who maintained their 100% record with a 136-0 win over the league's bottom side, Harwich and Dovercourt 2's - the A's next opponents on 17th November.

Cavaliers
The Cavaliers had a difficult tie at Braintree. With a vociferous home crowd and some uncompromising characters, Braintree are never an easy proposition, but our Cavs were absolutely dominant in the forwards, but simply could not turn their superiority into points. Speaking to some of the boys on Saturday evening it also transpires that Braintree's threat came from one incredibly speedy winger who posed a constant threat throughout the game. Special mention this week to Adam Cook who put in an incredible performance in the back row and as a result was identified as the Cavaliers Man of the Match.