Saxons settle back into the season

Hi Saxons,

Great to see you back after the break refreshed and well. There were a few players under the weather and tired after the shock of capture back at school, but don't worry, that is understandable and see you when you are ready.

We hosted Portsmouth on Sunday which was a big ask for first session back, but as ever you were good hosts, welcoming them in and played well together. We even know some of them well now and I have just found out one Portsmouth player is in Harveys class at school, small world but Saxons are part of a big rugby family.

We got straight back to the business of having fun and developing our skills and the coaches were really pleased with how the training and games went - thank you.

We know that Portsmouth are a strong, tough side and they showed that in the first match by stepping straight into top gear and dominating the first half. We were slow to get the confidence to attack, but that was fine and after a bit of coaching and reminding the Saxons how to take the game to the opposition, the Saxons roared back into the game. Ben B sparkled with 2 tries and Aden fired up to score 2 well worked tries. Another Saxon scored a fifth but I missed recording it, so if it was you please let me know and I will add to the stats - first match try scorers please?

After a short break the second match got underway, with the second Saxon team having played touch rugby during the first Portsmouth game to ensure parity of fatigue. The effect was startling, with the Saxons quick out of the blocks immediately with Jamie S taking the ball at pace right from the start. The tempo was higher in this game, the Saxons showed great pace, handling and aggression in the right areas and the game was very close. There were tries from Matthew T (2) and Ben D (1), but Portsmouth pulled away winning 5-3.

This was our first session back, yet I feel we made some real leaps forward this Sunday. Every player on the field was involved in the games and I am sure handled and looked after the ball. No player needlessly lost the ball and you took it from Portsmouth frequently.

A lot of players impressed on Sunday. The try scorers deserved to score but there were other notable events. James Ts amazing cross pitch perfect try-saving cover tackle which had the Portsmouth coach gasping. Matthew C clearing out a ruck aggressively when Ben B fell and was isolated great support and right decision, we kept the ball and the attack continued. Harriet nearly scoring and then tackling their biggest and best player until he handed off and was penalised. Max Fs penetrating runs and good handling. Taylor C was a contender for Player of the Week with his consistent tackling and ripping the ball, great technique and you were always there, frustrating Portsmouth. But Conor L won Player of the Match for his all round performance, driving through the Portsmouth line in attack and showing great tackling technique and stopping a Portsmouth attack with two consecutive quality tackles - well done! Matthew Ts breakaway try epitomised the team effort Saxons produce. We held up Portsmouth over our line and Matthew T ripped the ball (good Tower of Power body position by the way)we then drove the maul out of our try area (well done James T)until Portsmouth gave up and let go and Matthew was away for a try the length of the pitch - unbelieveable, but you can do that Saxons.

Next Sunday we are at Romsey and all can go - looking forward to seeing you there.