As the new league season gets underway on Saturday the coaches and players have had some of July and August training, as well as three pre season games to put plans in place and to return to match fitness.

These games were important to the squad this year as they have been an opportunity for the coaches to run a rule over some new faces and some returning players, and two or three colts who have moved up into the first team squad. The games have also helped in the process of developing consistency within the team, an area that is crucial in being successful within the league we play in.

The club is very pleased to welcome back Steve Hipwell from Cambridge, Chris Beaird from Lowestoft and Yarmouth, and Alastair Abercrombie coming back from a sabbatical, all of them very talented players that will bring depth to the squad. Stuart Hudson the new forwards coach brings with him his two sons, Will and Ed, who will prove useful in strengthening the forwards and I am particularly pleased to see two of last year’s colts, Xavier Valentine and Alex Leeder getting a run out with the first team squad. On a further positive note our New Zealand players liked playing at the club so much last year they have decided to stay another year!

So the scene is set for a competitive and exciting start to the season against Rochford away on Saturday which will be a tough encounter between both teams.