With more debutants and more home grown young talent than I can remember in my 45 seasons and with new coaching and management set ups, the start of this season was always going to have its challenges.

Combine that with pre and early season injuries to half a dozen of the 'Old Contemptibles,' means that there is no need to panic just yet.

We put huge effort and resource into our mini and youth set ups and all of the administrations over the last 5 or 6 years have also made efforts to engage with those players who go on to further education. Those efforts are part of the reason for the wealth of young talent we have 'blooded' over the last 3 weeks.

Whilst we are still awaiting our 1st W, there are plenty of positive signs, with no big defeats, some outstanding defence, and numerous opportunities created that we were weren't quite able to finish. This is a step up in intensity and physicality for some younger lads and will take time to adapt.

That adjustment will be helped by the return, this week, of Captain, Josh Corcoran, as well as other recognisable faces becoming fit in the next few weeks.

Recent, and ongoing , events in the premiership have shown the importance of a sustainable playing model and we can be thankful we have a very well managed club.

All involved believe the results are coming soon, so, all that is required from the touchline is continued support from our great supporter base.

The EX. 1ST's good win over OAs 2s last weekend sets them up for their home game against Rochford Hundreds this Saturday. The kick off is at 2.00pm so, if you can, give them a little support.

The 3s game is off as the opposition have no front row whilst the Termites have secured a fixture away to Welwyn 2's after their excellent win 15-14 win over Saffron Walden 2s last Saturday.

So, in the words of Charlie Stringer, "Onwards and Upwards"