A terrific turn out yesterday of 19 enabled us, to field a full pack and a strong backs side, as well as loan 3 players to Tadley on their home ground. It is frustrating that we have to keep on loaning players but it is a credit to all of you and of course your parents, that we have such a great commitment to our matches, along with the training sessions. The first half was a fairly balanced game with A & F scoring first and although half was evenly matched, with Tadley tackling every thing, they converted their second try, on half time to go to the break 12 v 10 in front. Half time was spent trying to sort out the 2nd half replacements for Tadley! JP had started for them as prop, Tom Pringle on their wing and Tom Catchpole as Full back. Alisdair Rom swapped with JP, Sean Sutton (who had started as our Fly half) swapped for Tom C and Tom Brett replaced Tom P. Tom Catchpole started the 2nd half as sub so that John Holdich could start on the wing, although I did try to start 16 for the 2nd half… Doh! There seemed to be some confusion relating to a suggested 3 man “commitment” to the ball carrier. The main point was that we needed to have secure back up to the ball carrier and not to “over commit” to a break down. The second half was a much more fluent affair from A & F, the ball being released early and safely on contact, with lots of backs involved with free flowing play. The uncontested scrums saw individual efforts when in striking distance from Kyle. And we won the second half comfortably with 4 tries and 2 conversions from Ryan’s huge kicks. The game was won 12 v 34 and although I have forgotten the order, Sam Baines scored a great (the 1st?) team try, following another of Ryan Canning’s penetrating runs and Nick scored another. Phil Cresswell scored under the posts, **Alistair Duncan got another ** (I got this bit wrong 1st attempt) and Kyle Hawthorne scored twice he and Phil both even passed a couple of times!! You never know they may get to like it? The tackling from both sides was very good and Alisdair made a great try saving tackle when it could have effected the outcome. Some great runs from Ray Wright helped us maintain the upper hand and the tackling and perseverance from Tom Brett and Ray on the wings 1st half stopped too many attacks. The forwards with Nick Ovens, Tom Baker as Hooker, Alisdair Rom (1st Half and J.P. 2nd) Alistair Duncan, Max Westwood, Nathan Parker, Dave Ranson (who is still desperate to score) and Kyle at 8 did a great defensive job and stopped several near misses. Tom P played part of the 2nd at fly half then moved back out onto the wing as Ray came off with a knock to his leg and Tom Catchpole did a great job at Fly. Ray was ok after a few minutes and played a great Scrum half for Tadley for the last 10 minutes. (Almost too good Ray) After the match I am afraid that I got lost, first checking that Nick was ok and writing up Duke of Edinburgh entries, for Max and Alisdair, so did not get to congratulate all of you. You did a great job and you ought to be proud that you have now won the last 4 games. Tadley wanted the game yesterday and I would not be surprised, if that was not the best performance they have put in this season, even though they were 3 players down. Thank you all for your efforts, special thanks to the “Tadley stand ins” and I would like to express continued thanks, for the support of the parents, who ensure that you are all up and at these games and provide the vocal support at the games. Also for your laundry services to make sure you all have clean shirts every game. Thanks also to Graham who turned up with his injury and ran the Touch. General reminder to all, please ensure that you have good condition studs and replacements that you can fit if they fail the refs inspection. Nick got a deep cut to his hand yesterday and this was a result of studs, it could have been a good deal worse, if it was the result of “ragged” edges to aluminium studs. It also takes time in the dressing room to sort out at the last minute. Please also make sure that if you have Club shorts and socks that you wear them on Match days. Combined with the new shirts the overall effect is stunning when worn with the full strip.