Last weekend was the first time of the 2017/18 season that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Women’s XVs all earned wins, scoring a total of 98 points and only conceding three tries. A defining moment of the campaign.

I have often spoken of the strength in depth of the Men’s squad and as of today a total of fifty nine players will have represented the 1st XV this season, with attendance at training regularly reaching fifty plus. Morale is high, the energy and intensity during the week has been the best it’s been. Individually and collectively the players continue to get better. Competition is fierce.

With February drawing to a close, this afternoon provides the 1st XV with an opportunity for a fourth successive win at Barham Road off the back of last week’s victory away to Henley RFC, 0 – 19. We have now beaten 5th, 6th & 7th placed teams in the division. To win two nil on the road takes something special and it took an afternoon of domination. A consequence of seven months’ hard work, combined with an intensity and level of trust which has been developing over the course of the season.

Jordan Turner-Hall said “Our first half performance was certainly the best we’ve been with regards to game management and some of the pictures we painted. Our application of processes in attack and defence were class. Today is another opportunity for us to keep getting better.“

Also away to Henley the 2nd XV made it ten victories from ten with a physical, dominant performance against a young Henley XV.

2nd XV Captain Mike Wood said “In tough conditions early unforced errors and ill-discipline prevented us from converting pressure to points. But set piece domination and direct physical forward play gave us the control we needed and was enough to record a comfortable 26-5 win.”

The 2nd XV also play London Irish RFC this afternoon at home.

The 3rd XV turned out last Friday in a Surrey Cup Quarter Final away to Kings Old Boys and come out worthy winners, 0-34. Once again it bodes well having former 1st XV and Strollers players alongside some of the developing players within the squad. It was also impressive to see the brand of rugby played on the night.

3rd XV Captain James Gillespie said “Being one player shy of fifteen just two minutes before kickoff, the signs were pointing towards what might be a difficult evening for Wimbledon. The game was anything but, with us dominating both sides of the ball and running out 36-0 victors to continue into the semifinal.”

The 3’s welcome Old Reigatians RFC to Barham Road today.

The Strollers return to the field this afternoon having had a couple of opponents cry off since the turn of the year. They play Kingston RFC today. Go well fellas.

Our Women’s XV enjoyed a 10-19 victory against Sutton & Epsom last week and are enjoying an adventure to Guernsey this weekend. When they faced them at home earlier in the season, the score was 68-31 so good luck to all those involved.

So, February has come and gone, the 1st XV are two from two in the month, today, an opportunity for three.

Thank you for your support both home and away.

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

Mark Percival
Director of Rugby