It was a tough game at Dorking last week, which saw us squeeze home. If we are really honest with ourselves, which this group of players are, we should have put the game to bed in the first half. As said previously, Dorking is always a hard place to go and get a result, and the energy and desire to win was there in abundance on Saturday, none more so than from the old warhorse Dave Archer, who was my man of the match.

This week sees us return home against Sidcup, who have had some up and down results. We look forward to hosting them at the Lane on Saturday and we have a sell out lunch (Bunter informs me 185 sitting down!) and also 25 minis coming down for the match day experience with mums and dads as well as the supporters. Its a credit to all the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to put these sorts of days together, and I speak for all the players and the coaching staff when I thank you all for your time and effort. It is much appreciated and without it, HRFC would not be the place it is.

There are a couple of changes to the side this weekend. Tim Matthews starts in the front row instead of Josh Hewitt on rotation. Red Newberry and Dave Archer make up the second row, and Elston, Corcoran and MacDougall are the starting back row, with Kinsley on the bench.

The half backs are Sargent and Lloyd and both had influential games last week. Mitchell and Allan are the wingers, with Barker at 15. The centres remain the same, with Streets (who has been consistently good) and Lemon. Smart takes the last bench spot, with Stockwell missing out this week as he is not available for the next three games. We have obviously spoken to Joe and he understands the situation and will be up on Saturday supporting the lads.

Finally, we would like to thanks our match day sponsors Barbican Protect along with the indomitable Duncan Keens! I would also like to give a big shout out to Clive Travers, one of our sponsors, on his 50th birthday celebrations at the Lane on Saturday. Thanks for sponsoring and hope you have a great day mate!!

See you Saturday,

Baz

1st XV to play Sidcup at Hoe Lane this Saturday 1st December, kick off 3pm

15 Harry Barker
14 Jack Mitchell
13 Kyle Lemon
12 Richard Streets
11 Michael Allan
10 Ben Lloyd
9 Michael Sargent
1 Tim Matthews
2 Chris Joyce
3 Geoff Hughes
4 Red Newberry
5 Dave Archer
6 Jack Elston
7 Josh Corcoran (c)
8 Torran MacDougall

16 Josh Hewitt
17 James Kinsley
18 Stuart Smart