As we start our first home game of 2015 against local rivals Hinckley, in what is surely going to be a tough game, it is an ideal opportunity to reflect on our progress as a club.

The 1st team have had a terrific season so far and deservedly top the National 3 Midlands league. We have lost just one match and have scored the highest number of points and conceded the lowest number of points in the league. Our success has been built on a strong pack of forwards who have really developed under the coaching of Mike Holford and who have been well led by the captain, Will Ward. Our mobile back row spearheaded by former Scotland 7s player Michael Maltman have provided the necessary support and continuity and in Rick Aley we have the best goal-kicker in the league. Our back line is full of talent and experience and constantly attacks with flair and ambition. Our defence is one of the best in the league and our ability to score tries from anywhere is reflected in us averaging nearly 40 points a game.

The 2nd and 3rd teams have put sides out most weeks and although the results have not always gone our way, the player's commitment on the pitch has never been in doubt. These handful of regular players wear the south shirt with pride.

The Colts have also enjoyed a good start to the season and are in third place in the U18 league. It is great for the club to have such a thriving Colts set-up under the guidance and management of Geoff Brooks and newly qualified level 2 coach Mark Lewis.

The 1st, Vets and Colts have all reached the semi-final of the County Cup and we look forward to these games in the weeks to come

Whilst we are rightly proud of the achievements so far this season our vision to create a values-based, process-driven and club-centred environment is still a work in progress. This vision is the key to the medium and long term success of the club. We have undoubtedly made improvements throughout the club since last season. Communication and organisation are better but there are still areas we need to improve further if we are to develop a stronger and more resilient club ethos and identity. At times ill-discipline and poor decision-making have let us down on the pitch and at other times we have too easily lost our shape and direction, and let slip our standards. Attendance at training has been at best erratic and at worse unacceptable for a National league club, if we genuinely want to succeed as a club and realise our potential, we will all need to show greater commitment.

Finally, my thanks go to the players and to all those people behind the scenes at South who have contributed to our success and who continue to work tirelessly on the club's behalf. The second half of the season will really test South's resolve, togetherness and commitment. We will need to manage the pressures and challenges on the pitch and at the same time continue to define and build an infrastructure off the pitch that will be club-centred.

Head Coach: Paul Westgate