Saxons on Tour to Isle of Wight!

Hi Saxons,

I would like to thank you all for a great team and Club performance on Sunday. We arrived with 16 players, nearly two-thirds of our squad, which is superb and Vectis were very pleased that we were able to make the journey to visit them. Few teams do, which is surprising and disappointing, given the excellent welcome we were given by them. As one of Vectis closest mainland Clubs, I was pleased we were able to support them.

The commitment from the parents for the early start and the additional travel expense is really appreciated and it was wonderful to see the Saxons pull together to get everyone up the hill for the start. My apologies to Jayne (Ben P) for saying we will all meet up and travel together, only for me to lead off over the horizon without you; my fault and I am glad I found you!

Despite the biting cold and windy conditions, the Saxons just kept going all through the training session and into the matches; it must be those new training tops! Vectis clearly have some talented, strong and determined players, but is was our teamwork and strength in depth that impressed me the most. Our handling and confidence with the ball was very impressive and I struggle to recall a knock-on through handling. When players get tackled they offload unselfishly and are already starting to pass to players in space just before they are tackled. All our players like to attack and are comfortable taking the ball into contact. Equally in defence, we are able to commit to tackles, put pressure on our opponents and force turnovers.

Ben D played particularly well in defence and attack; he is always very determined and he scored some wonderful tries and was awarded try of the week. On my pitch, Oliver K was everywhere. If Vectis fumbled a ball, Oliver came up with it and was 10 yards down the pitch before any one reacted. He consistently made consecutive committed tackles, shook off a few knocks whilst being tackled himself and scored tries profusely. There could be only one player of the week at Vectis and that was Oliver, well done Ben and Oliver.

If you have photos of the day, please send a few and I will create an album.

Next Sunday we are training at home where you will all be complaining that you are too hot in your training tops. Can't wait to see you!