Yesterday saw Kingsclere travel to Andover for a fixture that has traditionally been a physical and bruising affair... and it was no different this time. The first 20 minutes were very close typified by solid Kingsclere defence, but an inability to execute well. However, the leaders on the pitch rallied the players and we found our structure again. The try scoring started to pick up pace, until a stoppage in the 59th minute. The referee, who had already taken a clearing kick to the face and been tackled accidentally by an Andover player had busted his knee and couldn't continue. Under the laws of the game, any match abandoned before 60 minutes needs to be replayed. However Jason - previous captain and now coach of Andover 3s - was adamant that a replay wouldn't be the right thing, so found the Andover flanker that refereed the first half of the same fixture last season, to complete the refereeing of this match. 100% rugby values and behaviour exhibited by a tough competitor and very decent man. Thank you Jason.
Tries were scored by Ellis (2), Joe C, Joe T, Jacob, Jake, Jonny, Will and Blake with Louis scoring 5 conversions. Final score was Andover 8: Kingsclere 55 and due to other results in the league, we remain top and the only undefeated team. Our results are putting a massive target on our back, and the coaching team are very keen to avoid complacency- hopefully we'll get big numbers up at training again on Wednesday and continue our drive for improvement.

Head Coach's Five Of The Best
1) Versatility - with some significant absences from our squad and changes during the game it was wonderful to be able to use players in different positions. Particular kudos to Jacob (normally a 13) for playing 7, 9 and 12 and Jake (normally absent at training) for playing 6, 12 and 15.
2) New Faces - it was great to be able to give debuts to Josh, George and Will with the returning face of Henry. More youth added to the Kingsclere squad with a lot of potential. Welcome to the club!
3) Leadership- with Harry and Jamie unavailable for selection, it was brilliant to see Louis and Ander step up to share the captaincy, very ably supported by Clem as pack leader and Connor and Bradley adding their support in leading with actions and voices.
4) Squad Size - 24 players got a run out in a Kingsclere shirt (including Roger who also helped out Andover for the last 20 minutes) which kept me busy on the sidelines rotating forwards on and off the pitch. That takes the players used so far this season in 6 matches up to 41.
5) Defence - one try conceded. 'Nuff said.

Thank you to all the travelling support and to Oscar and Max, two injured players who still came to watxh and cheer us on. We have a Saturday off next weekend, but have A HOME GAME against Alresford 2s on the 22nd November which we already have 20 names available for. It will be a 'double header' with the Walking Rugby brigade also having a home fixture before our match. Any support would be very welcome.