This week we welcome Sudbury as 1st XV rugby returns to Hoe Lane for the first time in a month. The two games in that time certainly provided some thrilling rugby against the league's top two sides and although we came out of it with four points It would not be unfair to say we can be genuinely disappointed that it wasn't the full 10 points possible.

However, we all know the league table doesn't lie and whilst we are still in touch with those a few positions above us, I think it's fair to say for the next few weeks will be crucial.

Sudbury's biggest win of the season was there home fixture against us, where they piled on over 70 points but that counts for nothing now and it should also be noted that they are still looking for their first victory on the road.

As well as that we only need to go back a couple of seasons to remember The home tie where we are reversed the victory on a current league side who scored more than 100 points when we visited them.

Tomorrow's prematch lunch celebrates our gratitude to our sponsors and patrons who provide resources in many different ways that allow us to do what we do. As ever, we thank them for their continued contributions which we know are made for the love of the club and the desire to support local sport and not for personal or corporate gain. In simple terms, without these contributions, many clubs would simply not exist.

Whilst this weekly(ish) sermon usually addresses the great and loyal unwashed on the sidelines and those who can't attend as much as they would like, this week I'm going to take a slightly different tack an address the most important people in the club, the players.

The last few weeks have shown yourselves and everybody else, what you are capable of doing. The green shoots that appeared in games occasionally early in the season, have grown stronger. They are starting to establish solid roots, able to withstand harsher environments. But the storm is coming and to continue to grow will require you to bind together and give everything you have for each other.

Skipper Steph is leading the way with four hat tricks in four games, even adding a fourth try in the last one. But he will be the first to say he can't take credit for all those tries. For some there was individual brilliance, for others he sat in the armchair and finished the work of the team.

Yes, we came up short against the two top teams, but that's because great teams use their experience and find a way to win. But believe me, they had to fight hard to find a way to win against you and you shook them.

Before you put on that shirt, look at it, think of those that have pulled it on before you. You are the best player we have available to wear that shirt today. Your job is to be better than your opposite number. If you can’t be, then you have to work harder than him. If you are, you have to work even harder for a teammate who isn't. It needs everything you have to give. Make yourself worthy of wearing it.

The crowd will be with you. You know the energy and the feeling that can bring. But it needs a spark and that spark must be provided by you. So light that fire.

This season is at a crossroads and the next few weeks will decide our fate.

I know that the capability is there. I've watched young players who started the season nervously, afraid to make a mistake and hesitating in vital situations who are now growing in confidence, playing well and starting to believe that they are good enough.

Well, it's time to stand up and be counted.

It’s time to give everything you have for your team and your club.

It’s time to take responsibility.

it's time to look your teammates in the eye and say “we’ve got this.”

it's time to believe.

I do.
See you there, mine’s a Guinness.