We managed to get our three teams out for our first friendly of 2013. I hope we can do this each week from now on till the end of the season, it will really help to have a full contingent from now on so we can start drilling the teams ready for the festivals to come.

Its always been a tough fixture against Marlow, they have a very strong squad at U10s and are all very well drilled. It was nice to see from a coaches point our Rams team unfazed in the first game against Marlow A team. The game was tough but they never looked like loosing the first game. They also had a tough game against the Marlow Bs but again had the game under control for another win. They finally played Marlow A again in preparation for Marlow who are playing in a festival next week, again a tough game, Neil swapped a few of the players positions around to let them play out of position against to strong team. Again a hard fought game with us losing one try to nil.

Our Titans teams were very much out played by the Marlow B team, We lacked the controlled aggression and team play that Marlow had, the team need to understand that they need to push forward as a team much faster and not let the play come to them. They were not making the tackles that i would have expected. Also a lack of support players following when we were able to make a brake. The second performance was a bit better against the Marlow A team but we still need to understand the basics and put this into practise on the pitch. Both Marlow teams had the run of play by shear speed when attacking or in defence.

The Dragons seemed to far a bit better than the Titans. Although both Marlow teams had most of the run of play it was good to see that a team that hasn't played together before were making some progress on the pitch. They made some great tackles and seemed to have a bit more go in them, rushing at Marlow to close them down. A few good brakes, and if it wasn't for that pesky touch line i think we may have scored a few trys.

Tackling Socks this week went to Harry Keward, he should have got this before Christmas but i forgot to award it in all the excitement of getting to the party food. Also Harry Turpin for putting in some great tackles today and Alex Pitfield who worked so hard for the Dragoons team today. The last minute tackle that he made was straight out of the training manual, tracking the player across the pitch to tackle him 5 yards short of the line. well done!

Next week we are away at Reading.
Please look out for an admin email later this week.

Have a good week
David