Weekly Update - 1st XV Utterly Dominant Vs Belsize Park
A True Statement Win for the 1st XV:
The 1st XV travelled to Regents Park On Saturday to play Belsize Park, who sat one place below us in the league table, but with a game in hand. They also are a side very much on form, being the only side to date to have beaten league leaders Brunel, as recently as last Saturday.
In an utterly dominant performance we dismantled a quality opposition finishing 42-13 winners. The foundations for the victory were a phenomenal aggressive defence and clinical handling and running in attack. All 18 players were outstanding and Belsize Park were outplayed in all aspects of the game. Perhaps one of the most impressive all round performances in recent years. It is difficult to single out individual performances in what was an immense team effort. Tyson, recently back from injury, was named player of the match by the opposition after repeatedly cutting open the Belsize defence. It was a match to savour in tricky conditions.
At the half way stage in the league we now are in 2nd place in the table, just six points off Brunel. New signing, Declan McCormack, is settling in well alongside a few players coming back from injury. This is a fantastic achievement for the club as a whole and one that everyone from players, to coaches, to medical staff, to supporters, should be immensely proud of. Every side in this league are decent, with no push overs and to maintain this level of performance is now clearly our challenge moving into the second half of the season.
2s Lose to Local Rivals Marlow:
Unfortunately the 2nd XV couldn’t maintain their recent performance levels and lost to Marlow 31-40. Despite leading 19-7 at half time we failed to take a number of further opportunities, being held up over the line twice and we lost possession whilst deep in their 22 on more than one occasion.
These lapses gave Marlow hope and to their credit they never gave up, their defence was superb and they started to run in tries out wide. They fully deserved their win in the end and the game was played in good spirits as always.
The squad and coaches have done a brilliant job this season and we remain third in the league. Despite the disappointment in the clubhouse Saturday night, they need to park this result and refocus for the rest of the season as there is so much to play for still.
Mini & Junior Rugby:
A wet and cold day yesterday with the minis hosting Windsor. We broke the records for post match hot chocolate with marshmallows!
Three lads from the Colts, Freddie Taylor, Casper Markham & Jamie Henderson, represented Bucks yesterday in another South West trial. They beat a strong Somerset side which was a major scalp.
Both the U13s and 14s had matches in horrendous slippy conditions. The U13s continued their fine form with two wins against Aylesbury and the U14s played Wycombe, winning one and losing one. Coaches were particularly pleased as they benefited from specific focused areas from training and these all bore fruit.
Christmas Lunch & Post Match Festivities :
As at the time of writing we have only four tickets left for the Christmas lunch on the 20th so if still keen please book asap. Post match the players also have planned Christmas carols, a Nativity Play and finishing up with a Karaoke. Last years performance was hilarious and hugely entertaining, so if you missed out on the lunch definitely come down for post match festivities.
Next Weekends Rugby:
Next Friday night the ladies have a friendly under lights at home vs Marlow, kick off at 7:30pm. Please note, the clubhouse bar will be closed as it is booked out for a private function.
Saturday the 1st XV play Marlow away, kick off 3pm, also under lights. Marlow will definitely be out for revenge with us having the upper hand in the last few encounters. The 2s are also away versus Bracknell, kick off 2pm (tbc).
Enjoy your week
Noel