Saxons Shakedown in the Sunshine

After a wet start, the sun shone on the Saxons as we hosted Petersfield today. They are traditionally the first team we see in the season and they were pleased to train with us. They are a strong team, but like us, they are learning new rules and parts of the game. It was therefore good to train with them and play some matches against them.

You trained and played really well today, you have grasped the new rules and elements of the game brilliantly. The scrums that were slow and difficult are now forming quickly, you are all getting stuck in and the scrum halfs are finding the ball at the back of the scrum, not booted back down the pitch! Well done.

You are already doing better at the breakdowns. We saw binding on and driving in the mauls today, ripping the ball and stealing it and passing wide. The numbers in the rucks was much better today, it is so tempting to join and get involved, but you are thinking and keeping out.

The one area we need to work on is staying on your feet and not playing/holding on to the ball on the ground. The referees are also learning and spotting what is right and what isn't and it wont be long before they are on to it.

SO, we lost our games against Petersfield, but the coaches are not worried. The matches were close, exciting and there was plenty of attacking play. You were competetive, your ball handling was excellent and you played with tremendous Saxon spirit. Every player contributed and carried the ball forwards, you tackled well and attacked valiantly.

Player of the week was awarded to Alfie who laid it all on the line today and was stil charging through the tackles having been carried off the pitch earlier.

Well done Saxons, see you next week!

Tom and Elly Joyce