2nds off to a flyer

After a slightly awkward week getting a team sorted I went to sleep smiling on Saturday night. I am a very proud captain after a tough game where Casuals showed a lot of skill, grit and determination.

We started slowly again which seemed to be a trend last season and a trait we must shake. It wasn't solely due to Lewis arriving late having got lost on the way to Sleaford with the shirts in his car! We went down to an early try, this had me thinking that it could be one of those days, however, the troops rallied and we put together some really well constructed moves which culminated in Flem (Richard Floyd) going over for our first try. As a team I think you know you are playing well when it seems simple. Penalty kicked down to opposition 22, line out won by the 2 jumper and a maul formed, one more contact taken off the maul, then it is spun through the backs for the winger to score in the corner. Could it be more simple?

We scored two further tries in the first half one thought the excellent Seb Donk and another through Kingy who also had very good game. We came together at half time 26-12 in front and whilst I know there were mistakes and I remember it through rose tinted glasses, I felt we had played well and deserved to be infront but we knew they would come at us in the second half.........

And they did, with some big hits, mostly illegal. We needed to hold our nerve as they were likely to close the gap and they did but some excellent running in the backs and good ball retention in the forwards (mostly) meant we never looked like losing (honest). Bryn scored two tries one of which was very good indeed where he left the defence for dead. The hard work in the gym really has paid off he looked rapid!

I was thoroughly proud of all of my boys and I genuinely could give everyone a mention, but I won't as I have a one year old who won't leave me alone. Special mentions go to Rob, Walley and Graeme for their experience and leadership. Ed for kicking 4 out of 5 conversion but also to Man of the Match Seb Donk who was absolutely excellent. Also a massive thanks to Gareth Mainwaring and Gaz Hope.

Well done chaps, great start but let's not get carried away as there were still lots of things to work on, we must cut out the silly mistakes and compete better at the breakdown. Thank you all 19 of you.