Captains report
The score did not represent the whole game, and from some aspects of the game we can keep our heads held high. We came out conceding an early try out wide and there were big hits all around. The forwards really met the physicality for the majority of the game and some big strong tackles in the backs after a shaky start put us back in the game. We kept them under pressure and not giving them much room to run, keeping the score very close until halftime. To win these games, we have to be able to carry out the basics well and under pressure for the whole game. It needs 100% work rate from us all. We struggled to do this in the last 15 minutes of the game as we run out of energy and they punished us for it, maybe if we put in the extra bit of effort it may of been different. There were many positives we can take away from today and we can work on our mistakes and come back stronger and better next time.
From Jack

Match Report

A tough physical encounter against a full strength Southend side which was much closer than the scoreline implies and much more competitive than last years away fixture.

There were a number of positives to take from the game and until the 15 mins it was very close at 10-5. Southend to their credit were clinical in attack and took advantage of their changes and we squandered a few attacks in the first half and faded at the end of the second to let them in four times in quick succession. We almost resigned ourselves to conceding a try if their quick wingers got the ball.

Positives:

• Solid scrum against a 'bigger' pack.
• Majority of our rucking was effective.
• Defence around the fringes was strong.
• We met them head on physically and were not bullied out of the game as we have been in previous seasons.
• We put a lot of pressure on them for long periods of the game and for 35 mins the score stood at 10-5!

Areas to work on:

• Our defence has to be quicker to realign from the breakdown. We can't allow too many bodies to get sucked in and then not have enough men to cover breaks out wide - especially against a side with such a quick, physical back line. Walking from the breakdown will leave gaps!
• From the breakdown in attack our forwards have to take the ball at pace. You will not break the gain line against a side that presses so quickly if you are taking the ball static.
• We need to be more clinical in attack. Mix it up a bit. Southend are strong, physical players from 1 through 15! You need to play them at their own game .... suck them in and create the overlaps ... their quick players can only tackle one person at a time!
• Our kick chase was poor again this week. If we are going to exit and clear our lines when under pressure with a kick we have to follow it up with a good strong chase. If no one is putting pressure on the opposition they are just going to come running back at you at full pace.
• Run straight - this allows your team mates to run support lines off you. Cutting back into the melee when the space has been created on the outside makes it difficult to build any continuity in attack.

Notable performances from Jack, James and Freddie who worked well as back three and from Archie and Copper in the backs who tackled valiantly!

Southend are a well drilled, effective side and the boys should not be disappointed with their performance for the majority of the game. They just need to play more intelligently against a side who will match them blow for blow in the forwards and whose backs will tackle and punch holes in your defence with strong, straight running all day long. Their defensive press gave no one time on the ball and therefore you have to set your attacking line deeper to give you the momentum to make yardage.

A tough first round draw but lets keep challenging ourselves and collect the plate for the second year running.

See you Weds!