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Looking forward to Wimbledon 1st XV v Chinnor

Looking forward to Wimbledon 1st XV v Chinnor

Meg Gardiner8 Mar 2018 - 10:14
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We hear from DoR, Mark Percival in the lead up to the weekend's fixture

On behalf of the players, coaches and all the support staff welcome for today’s 1st XV fixture against Chinnor RFC.

The month of February proved the most successful of the campaign to date with unbeaten results for the 1st and 2nd XV and a solitary loss for the 3rd XV against a strong Old Reigatians 2nd XV. It has nudged the 1st XV off the bottom of the table, the 2nd and 3rd XVs climbing to 3rd respectively. Two months to go of the 2017/18 season and all to play for.

Last week against Redingensians RFC, the 1’s were unable to control the game in the manner they did the week prior against Irish. Although a committed effort, something which is never in doubt within the squad, we failed to control field position and our ball security by our standards was poor. An air of frustration developed in the performance which prevented us from playing with the intensity to which we have become accustomed. This week is and has been about a response.

An intense training week, has once again posed selection headaches across the squad and we as a collective are excited by today’s opportunity with both the 1st and 2nd XVs playing against Chinnor.

The 2nd XV look for a reaction after defeat last weekend, 24-10 in a top of the table clash also away to Redingensians. Skipper Mike Wood said after the game “Coming out of the blocks with clear intent and a good set piece, wed had a strong performance in the first half. We put points on the board and held strong despite a yellow card before half time. Another card offense, a high penalty count and not getting our exits right were all capitalised on by our opposition in the second half who managed to steal back the lead."

The 3rd XV unfortunately stood down last Saturday because of conditions and halved league points with Rosslyn Park. No fixture this week gives the players an untimely week off, but the county cup semi final away to Effingham & Leatherhead next weekend gives the players something to aim for.

It was unfortunate that Dorking RFC conceded the Surrey Cup semi final the weekend before last. It transpires they didn’t want to play our second team. Both our Men's and Women's XVs are through to the Cup Final on the 7th May at Esher RFC against Esher 2nd XV and Guildford Ladies.

Finally, The Strollers romped home last week with a 60-0 victory over title contenders Woking RFC. It is great to see training squad players pulling on the claret & blue on a ‘week off’ and a strong squad of old and new putting in a performance. The club continues to strengthen. They play Reeds RFC away today.

So, March started below par at Redingensians last week, today our attention turns to another performance at Barham Road. An opportunity we must embrace.

Thank you for your support both home & away.

I look forward to seeing you pitch side and in the bar.

Mark Percival
Director of Rugby

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