Its always difficult at this stage of the season when we start to compete with belated easter holidays, pre season cricket training and general end of termitis. In spite of this we managed to take a healthy squad to North London albeit a little light on forwards, hard to believe with the size of some of our boys. This meant that the forwards were going o have their work cut out keeping possession and the backs were going to have to run their Poly-cotton socks off. Having been promised a league of six teams and the prospect of at least five games the boys were quite fired up, however with the late withdrawal of two teams, we only had three games. This did mean we finished a bit earlier than expected but not the full day of rugby we were hoping for. As experience has shown us, it can take Wasps a game or two to get into the rhythm of flowing point scoring game play we have seen recently.

The squad consisted of Sam A, Max R, Mathieu, Gus, James P, Eden, Sam B, Nate, Jamie D, Fergus, Yamoto, Alex G, James S, Rhys, Leo, Theo, Antonn, Charlie A

The first game was against the unknown Sandal, a team visiting from Yorkshire. Not only do the breed them big up there but they were fast as well. To be fair to our boys Sandal played regularly twice a week and were national champions for their region. The scrums were pretty well matched and despite the fierce tackling of our backs Sandal had a phenomenal crash centre who seemed to break our gain line every time he got the ball. After the initial three minutes of their dominant play we definitely had moments of glory but we just couldn't seem to get the ball over the line. Sandal made use of good pressure and exploited any gaps we left. Twice they scored from a five metre scrum by applying pressure to the blind side. To the credit of the backs once they sealed this hole up in future games and even held the ball up on one occasion despite huge pressure from Marlow. The better team won but it could have been closer had we sealed the gaps early on.

Wasps 0 - Sandal 4

Its been a few years since we played Marlow and therefore they were another unknown quantity. I am not going to give a blow by blow account as it would not only take up too much page space but I might not be able to restrain my comments without the need of censorship. Suffice to say our boys were by far the better sportsmen. They showed controlled aggression in the scrum, restraint under provocation and discretion at what can only be described as unbalanced inconsistent and occasionally, negligent refereeing.

Wasps 0 - Marlow 2

Our last game was by far and away the best we played on the day. Our last meeting with Saracens had left a bad taste in the mouth and Wasps had a lot to prove. And prove it they did. The boys came out fired up and ready to take on whatever Saracens threw at them. Right form the outset the tackling was the best we had seen all day. Sarries had the advantage coming down the hill but try as they might they simply couldn't get the ball over the line. Wave after wave was thwarted by consistent and convincing tackles until they finally broke through and scored.

The Wasp boys on the day stood up to the challenges thrown at them and I believe went from strength to strength as the day went on. With the downhill advantage we did see some lovely flowing play that has recently been our signature. Some quick thinking by Theo and Fergus and somehow Sam A was over the line but realising the Saracens wouldn't let him put the ball down he sensibly popped the ball out to the well positioned Leo to give us the only try of the day. it was not enough as Sarries came back just before the final whistle and put a relatively soft try in the far corner.

Wasps 1 - Saracens 2

For me, each of the games had what I refer to as champagne moments, Sam’s lovely offload to Leo on the try line, Theo's awesome uphill cross field kick bouncing once into touch, Mathieu's ever consistent tackling, Yamoto's incisive running through Sandal's defense or Gus not retaliating despite a Marlow boys attempt at GBH, (don’t know who was more disappointed at Stephen breaking it up, Gus or Marcus!) Sam B was a powerhouse at every breakdown and Nate's thirty metre sprint chasing the ball down the touchline into Saracens quarter.

It was a long day with only a few games and big gaps between them. What is an absolute is that we as coaches and parents should be immensely proud of the way our squad has developed into a team this season. Not only on the pitch but off it as well, they conduct themselves well and I believe each player embodies what it is to be a true sportsman. Hard working respectful of their peers and know how to win with good grace and lose with dignity. Thank you to Bill, Marcus, Vincent, Rupert and Stephen for their ever encouraging coaching and support.

Although all the squad undoubtedly slept well sunday night the Player of the Day for his tireless work in the forwards was awarded to the everlasting, energising battery powered Max Raphael. (See and you thought I was going for the obvious reference to a well known brand of batteries!)

See you Sunday!