Pre season has gone very well so far. With the exception of a couple of players, everyone has reported back fighting fit and ready to embark on what will be a hard fought season to look to retain our National League status. This is something that we all know cannot be taken for granted and in anticipation of a hard fought season we purposefully looked to challenge ourselves with opposition who we knew would stretch us to the limits.
Starting off with the challenge of local rivals Canterbury who leapfrogged over us after a very successful and short stint in National 3. Looking to emulate them we applied ourselves well and whilst losing 3 tries to 2 if it had come down to a match situation, I am sure that we would have successfully attempted to kick the 4 penalties that we got in front of the posts that would have secured a win. On top of this we had some new faces who showed that they have arrived with the intentions of playing first team rugby. Furthermore, the 2nd team had a very convincing win that bodes very well for the rest of the season.
Against Worthing and with all due respect to the previous weeks opposition, a step up in terms of a challenge we showed that we had continued to make improvements. A week might be a long time in politics but there was not much time to make improvements from the Canterbury game. The boys have shown a great attitude to training and looked like they enjoyed playing a high tempo and at times physical game. It was very pleasing to see from the coaches perspective that they managed to maintain this tempo throughout 4 periods played in soaring heat which again goes to show that fitness levels have improved. We have had some real quality join us over the summer in the form of Josh Burt, Kobus Du Rand, Gus Barton, Tyron Child and the recent addition of Trent Nattrass who have all made a very positive contribution in a small amount of time. On top of this we have products of the academy in Reece Conlon, Josh Livett, Matt Holmes and Richard Adeniya-Jones who all made significant contributions and will be pressing for first term places this year if they are not embarking on further education. On top of all these there are some second team players from last year who are staking a real claim to first team rugby most notably Josh Pankhurst and Geoff Marshall who have worked hard over the summer and will be pushing the regulars hard to the line for that starting berth! Finally, players will perform to their limits if they are inspired to do so and in skipper Hamish Barton the club are graced with a real leader who is respected by all who gets the most and more out of his troops!
Finally, a quick word about the support that came to watch the game against Worthing. Of course it was good weather to have a pint and watch a game, but it was great to see so many people watching and seeing how we are assembling a team for what we hope will be a successful year. It gives the boys a great lift when the support is so good. I think that those who came to watch would agree when I say that the good performances from the end of last year have been developed so far and long may that continue.

Onwards and upwards

SJ

Pictures from Canterbury Game
Pictures from Worthing Game