The Ravens took on Redingensians second string XV. Redingensians 1st XV currently play in National 2 South (Level 4) - they are currently sitting in 5th place and compete against the best in the division such as Chinnor and Cinderford; another testing game for our boys.

Talking to the Redingensians staff, they had a strong side out with a number of players with 1st XV experience such as their fly half and openside flanker who clearly had the potential to have a huge impact on the game. We do not have a permanent captain for The Ravens, the responsibility is given on a game by game basis. This week Rory Miller took on the Captain's armband and did a superb job - although just 18 years old, we feel that we have a responsibility to develop rugby players and rugby leaders. Rory has the skills, attitude and potential to become a leader and captaining a senior side is the first step of a longer process. The Ravens were bolstered by the return of Alex 'Salad' Mitchell to the front row. Alex's strength lies in is his scrummaging and this was evident as the Ravens pack more than held its own against a big strong set of forwards. Redingensians were particularly strong in the second row and our front row never allowed their opposition to settle and therefore benefit from the push of their big 4 and 5.

We were able to field a number of experienced players returning from injury and unavailability. In the pack, Toby Hill and Andy Goodbourn had a very positive influence on the game; their strength and ability to carry with pace and power enabled the Ravens to compete physically with their opponents. In the second half the Ravens were securing more and more good possession and this enabled then to score a run of tries in quick succession. The initiative was lost late in the game as the Redingensians fly half made a number of critical breaks. Although our boys might feel disappointed/frustrated with the outcome (our opponents eventually ran out winners 29-40), the performance was full of positives.

For large parts of the game the Ravens were able to more than hold their own. When the Ravens were able to distribute the ball to our wide players Redingensians found it difficult to contain them; Senior Colt Jack O'Sullivan had possibly his best game of the season. Jack had a hand in a number of our creative openings and demonstrated pace and the ability to improvise in attack. In conclusion, it was an entertaining game and we had a good crowd at Mill Road to enjoy it. You can see Jamcels' great photos from the game here.

The second game at Mill Road saw our Roundheads take on Bury's 4th XV. I managed to have a quick chat with Roundheads skipper Bart Wilkinson who reported that the boys had a great run out against good opposition who were clearly bolstered by a few younger lads and they took the opportunity to run the ball a bit more than our boys who have ideally liked! Bart has taken over this season from club stalwart Dave Rhymes - Dave has moved into a managerial role for the Roundheads. The Roundheads are superb social team and they are always keen to help and support new and returning players. We are really keen to welcome new players of all standards, shapes and sizes, and if you need support and guidance there's no better place to play than alongside experienced players like our Roundheads! The Roundheads focus on social rugby for those who can't train during the week due to work and family commitments, but still want to turn out competitively and play the game we love. If you are interested, please contact Dave (davidrhymes47@sky.com) or Bart (ian@ipwassessments.co.uk).

Finally this weekend, our Colts side took on Braintree in a friendly game at Mill Road on Sunday. We fielded a very large squad with a plan to initiate multiple rotations throughout the game. In the first half our backline of Sam Borges (10), Oliver Eves (11), Rhys Smith (12), Jon Varela (13), James Patis (14) and Craig Doran (15) dominated proceedings. Whenever they had the ball and found some space, the tries came thick and fast. For me, one particular passage stood out. Rhys Smith drifted a looping right hand pass from just inside his own half to Ollie Eves who, with a neat back of the hand off load released Craig Doran for a wonderful try. Doran in particular was a constant threat - his pace and acceleration from deep had the Braintree defence reeling on their heels and they were often caught in two minds - either stand off and time the tackle or close the gap and risk and inside/outside break.

In the pack I would like to pay tribute to the Captain and blindside flanker Sam Lines. Sam led from the front and his carrying and aggression was crucial to providing the half backs with a platform to launch multiple attacks. Sam has really benefitted from preseason work with the 1st and 2nd XV squad; working alongside and with senior players has clearly given him an additional gear. Our plan as a section is to gradually expose our Colts to the physicality and demands of senior rugby so when it is their time to step up, they are well prepared and up for the challenge.

Unfortunately Braintree began to suffer a few injuries in the second half, so in keeping the spirit of the game, some of our boys stepped into the breach to help our opposition. For example, Thomas Carver-Hardy joined the Braintree front row to face off against his team mate John Lynch! It is this attitude that makes rugby special and sets it apart from other sports.

This season the Colts have come into the senior rugby section, and with the support of our partners Whitehall Resources, we are bringing many aspects of the senior rugby experience into the Colts. Please come along and take a look at the Colts - they are the future of the club and it's highly likely that some of our future 1st XV players are part of this group.

At the weekend the 1st XV will be back in action, visiting Ruislip RFC who are currently 9th place in London North Division 1. The Ravens have another home game; this time they take on Westcombe Park RFC in the Zoo League Division 2. The next home game for our 1st XV is against Letchworth RFC on 28.10.2017 - this is also our 'Patrons Lunch' - where the club has the opportunity to thank all the patrons who support our club with such loyalty.