When the weather has permitted the turnout at sessions has been good but the coaches, and the boys, have found it difficult to build significant momentum. Before Xmas we were going great guns, with unquestionable commitment at training, great match displays, win or lose, and a deep passion for personal performances. Tournaments recently at Bracknell and Gensians have left us all realizing we have to bring back the zip, desire and stubbornness in all that we do when faced with a competitive opposition.

Sunday saw the beginning of a build towards league games next season. The coaches are going to drive the boys harder, demand more of our charges but also provide greater and quicker feedback. In essence we have it all to do in stepping up our collective game, get serious about what we are trying to do at training and ultimately deliver on the pitch. Yesterday I stood watching the boys with a sense of real pride, we have a very good group of lads that can and do play some really exciting rugby. To see the battering that some boys are prepared to put themselves through drives home their commitment.

There is some real established and emerging talent and the beginnings of a realisation from most lads that the collective team is the only vehicle to success. I very much appreciated the response to the increase in physicality we demanded. The coming weeks are going to be tough, I insisted to the boys this is where we leave mini’s behind and we start facing the confrontational future ahead.

I, and all the coaching staff are really looking forward into turning this reality into fun, the foremost prerequisite to success. I know many of the boys are ready to take the challenge and continue their rugby journey. Come on 2012, the green machine is awakening!