Away to Old Reigatians on Sunday and a great performance from the squad of 22. With the 1/2 term holiday and a surfeit of injuries the mixed squad of boys put in some good rugby. We rotated everyone at least once and got the best from this.

Overall we were strong in many facets of play, some better handling, with the forwards releasing clean ball to the backs and them moving the ball out fairly quickly. There were also many opportunities for the ball to go further here with some obvious overlaps not exploited. Our mid-field players must aim for the gaps and work into the space available rather than contact and then get closed up. Also a big void here was calling for the ball and scanning for support.

Our tackling appetite stays fairly strong, still not uniform, with particular players such as Glenmore leading the way, but no embarrassing run throughs. Chris Lipczynski smothered well and held up their recycle, slowing down their progress.

Our rucking could have been a lot better driving them off. However we were first to break down on many occasions and stealing the ball but unfortunately got penalised several times. Arriving at the ruck in twos and simultaneously making impact and driving in very low will make all the difference. Something to practice on Sunday next week at home coaching.

Scrummaging was strong with both hookers taking a lot of ball. We were very solid and never in any trouble against quite a big pack. Both hookers won ball against the head well and were effective in the loose. Aadhithya Samarasekara's strength and discipline is a great asset and enables many options in our squad for the front rows. Sam Evans continues to drive on well in the scrum and Matt Barnett was fearless in the loose, setting up good ball for the recycle. Paddy Mallows was a disruptive force yet again seizing upon loose ball and any mistake from the oppo.

Our lineout still has room for improvement, we never looked in trouble here, but on winning ball we must charge through and set. We didn't have many lineouts but need to control our own better. We reverted to our younger rugby and just gave it out straight away instead of driving on, which we can do well. We have some obvious height advantages here which need to be exploited more.

Attacking overall was very strong with Max at No. 8 and his hat trick of tries leading the way. Liam Sullivan was impressive for his 1st run out with the team. Chris Lipczynski was energetic in both attack and defence and dominated the midfield. Toby Carter as SH showed his usual attentiveness, grubbing around, harrying the oppo and being a nuisance to their plans.

We conceded far too many penalties. Our discipline must improve and we must play to the referee. Some of the infringements on Sunday in a league game would result in a yellow card that can change the result all to quickly.

Really pleased with the progress, still some work to do, but all achievable and the boys are clearly gelling well as a unit. We have some tough fixtures ahead so it all up to WARLINGHAM on Sunday for a home coaching session in preparation for the next league fixtures.

Man of the Match/Attack: Max Robertson
Man of the Match/Defence: Glenmore Haydon

Warly: 40/Old R's 14
6 tries, 5 conversions
Max Robertson - 3
Chris Lipczynski - 2
Liam Sullivan - 1