First home game is a great confidence boost

It was a gorgeous autumnal morning on the extension. A slick layer of dew on the grass and sun shining. It was clear it was going to be a mismatch at the start - we were much better resourced with players pre-kickoff so we gave them a couple of our players for the first half - both played superbly. We played a largely orthodox approach with players in familiar positions and roundly trounced Hackney in that first half with some exceptional back play built on great forward pods and breakdown work.

We decided to take a more experimental approach to the second half. We gave Hackney four very strong players. Then we gave our players opportunities in different positions. Our boys on the Hackney team made it a much better game - indeed Hackney tries were scored by our boys. Our scrum was sensational throughout - even with changing and unfamiliar combinations. Our defence had to work harder in the second half and stepped up well - putting into practice the drills from training yesterday and in recent weeks. The boys showcased some terrific tackling and competitive breakdown work - often competing with our own players on the Hackney side at the breakdown. We clocked up an array of tries - some from big forward play, some individual breaks and some great handling for team tries.

All the boys played really well - expressed themselves in attack and stood up in defence. It felt like it was a great confidence builder for the squad. Huge thanks to all the boys - with a special thanks to those who played for Hackney. Big shout out to our referee who was fair and clear, bringing composure to the game and allowing it to flow. And finally, it was great to have a home game and be so well supported by parents and families!