After a couple of good league wins under our belt in recent weeks, on Sunday we hosted Sutton and Epsom for a friendly fixture. We played three thirds of c.25 minutes, and the final score of 48 to 5 was a fair reflection of the mornings proceedings and the difference between the two teams.

We started with a very different looking XV, and ensured that some key members of the squad with less game time under their belt in recent weeks got significant and lengthy run-outs. We played people in different positions, rotated players on and off, and throughout, despite this, we showed technical craft and real intent. We focused as a team on looking to put into practice the things we have been developing in our training sessions together, and on delivering a cohesive and intelligent performance that allowed us to play our game in the right areas. We did, and it was a pleasure to watch.

The togetherness and support of players by the subs (and their encouragement of those on the field) was evidence of a group of lads who support each other and want to see the team do well, whoever is playing. That's a great individual and collective attribute. The newer lads, some only joining us in recent weeks, gelled well with the more established players and they showed the commitment to the cause that we LOVE at Chips. Well done to them.

We are developing a playing attitude of not taking a step back (even when it got a little 'warm' at times), of playing in their half not ours, of attacking at set piece, of being ruthless in the final third, of stepping up quickly in defence to force errors ... and it is definitely coming. There is a visible increase of confidence and execution from 1 to 15, but particularly in the backs who are starting to play much more "heads-up" rugby. What a pleasure to see direct lines, sharp little easy offloads to exploit gaps, and a back division passing well, moving forward at pace, involving forwards, going wide when it's on, and asking tough questions of the defence. More of it please!! We again did well up front, nicking plenty of 50/50 ball, and the forwards made real nuisances of themselves all over the place, both when S&E had the ball and in the carries round the fringes and in midfield

We were too good for Sutton and Epsom in the end (although they get credit for their fighting spirit - and for scoring a try towards the end .... ) but as we agreed at the end when we sat down together, whilst it was a great morning's work, we were at best probably about 80% of where we need to be; there is still 20 percent improvement for us to work on together.

We need to run even more aggressively, be more challenging and direct with the ball in hand - when we did we looked smooth and sharp - and keep looking to create, and put other people into, space; we need to run forwards (not sideways!!) ALL the time; we need to keep working on our breakdown savvy - we lost a little too much ball there at times; we need to hunt as a pack and be much more focused on ball retention when we find contact - body position, going in twos and threes, preventing jackaling etc.; so there are a few tweaks, some areas to work on for sure - but overall .... super-happy!

We are not going to single anyone out for their performances on Sunday (especially not Youssef, who scored a hat-trick), because a) we think (hope) that we were able to give direct and individual feedback after the game to pretty much everyone, and b) because that was what playing at Chipstead is all about - a group of players, coaches and parents, as one, with exciting, positive rugby at the heart of it all. It's been a good season so far .... now, can we make it one to really remember?

Nick and Andy