But plenty to make us smile an a freezing day!

The key objective was to have our first bash as lifting in the lineout, a skill that commences in earnest from next season. Both sides had managed several training sessions but it was agreed to play unopposed lifting during the match to practise things in a safe way.

It was agreed that we would play 3 x 20 minute matches which would also enable us to try several new combinations with the backs.

In terms of the switch to lifting it was an interesting experience and as sometimes the way, what seemed to work relatively well in training fell apart pretty dramatically in the match (for both sides!) Apart from one or two clean catches it was a case of jumpers either failing to get more than a midges nodger off the ground (poor jumping or incorrect timing of the lift) or when jumpers and lifters did get it co-ordinated and the jumper soared majestically into the sky, hookers tended to pick out their belly buttons with unerring accuracy!

Still it was a start and kept the frozen crowd vaguely amused! Something to continue working on in training......

Away from the line out school there was rugby to be played.

There were several highlights worthy of mention;
• Weir made several bullocking runs as first receiver.
• Hunt screaming for the ball as he horsed down the right wing in support, to cut a nice angle in from the touchline as he received the ball
• Cox also screaming for an inside ball from Leicester as he joined the attack flat out from full back; showing what damage can be done when you change the angle of attack and receive the ball at full tilt.
• Richardson showed his versatility and gently increasing fitness, with solid play at full back in the first match before sustaining an ankle injury
• Oliver showed good hands and made several good tackles in the centre.
• Cox (again) for place kicking
• Hunt and Lu exfoliated their legs when removing Big Pete's knee bandage/support/lifty things post match. You're going to have to toughen up guys and cut out the yelping; it's going to become a regular event :)
• When we did get into gear there was some good quick handling by the backs and some efficient rucking by the forwards, who also at times kept the ball alive well whilst making good groud; good to watch.

Scorers;
Oliver 1 try
Hunt 1 try
Cox 1 conversion

Many thanks to Robert and the guys at Reading for hosting us again.

Bernie Leicester