April has served up two victories for the 1st XV with a dominant display against Tonbridge and a well earnt away win to Broadstreet on Saturday, capturing the essential five points.

The latter part of the performance in Coventry saw some of our best rugby of the season. A ruthless physicality in defence and a composure and trust in our processes in attack, allowed us to kill off the game, with Dan Laventure's second try arguably being our best of the campaign to date.

Once again, training this week has been of the highest standard. The intensity, energy and focus that is evident on squad training nights has progressively developed throughout the course of the season and is a reflection of the standards of all involved – players and teams getting better.

A total of sixty three players have pulled on the Wimbledon 1st XV jersey this season and the ‘club’ culture which has developed across the men’s section is a true collective effort. A significant number of players have played in the 1st, 2nd & 3rd XVs, with Tyler Flashman and Lee Reilly bettering this by having a run in The Strollers when numbers were down as well. A significant effort by all involved with a sense of the greater good – collectively we are stronger.

The 2nd XV have continued with winning ways over the past couple of weeks, beating both National 1 club Old Albanians RFC, 7-51 and Colchester RFC, 7-34, with dominant five point away wins. The quality of rugby that the 2nd XV are now producing has surpassed expectations and once again the standards which are evident across the team is proof of the squad approach and development. The 2nd XV play away to Hertford RFC this afternoon in the penultimate game of the league season.

The 3rd XV had an emphatic 97 points to 10 victory against Chipstead RFC two weeks ago and once again it was good to see a Dons side playing expansive rugby and reaping the rewards as a consequence. Unfortunately, on Saturday the side went down heavily to Camberley RFC 54-14 in a game which was more competitive than the scoreline suggests. The result meant a 4th placed finish and a play-off away to 1st placed Camberley today. An opportunity for all for a response.

Finally a brief reminder of the Surrey Finals day at Esher RFC on Monday 7th May, 2018.

The Strollers, 2nd, 3rd & Women’s XV will all be competing for silverware – whatever the result, it will be a great day for the claret & blue.

So, as the curtain comes down on another domestic season at Barham Road, today a win and only a win will do. Thank you to one and all for your continued support throughout the season.

I look forward to seeing you in the bar.

Mark Percival
Director of Rugby