Another four points against Coventry last weekend and the unbeaten start continues, but it was far from comfortable.

A very combative Coventry side did everything to disrupt our day and, to a large extent, were successful.

With a below-par performance the feeling in the camp was a strange one.

Even after a win, in such a competitive league, the mood was one of disappointment.

Three moments of magic pulled us through, however, on the whole it was a scrappy win but winning ugly is a skill that is undervalued in my opinion.

On a personal note I am now wireless and been given the all clear from the surgeon to start my rehab, so I am now trying to touch my little finger with my thumb, hopefully I'll progress quickly.

The other injured boys are hard at work with the physio team and everything is being done to have a full squad as quickly as possible.

The intensity of this league requires a squad with strength-in-depth and we have players in every position who are up to this level.

The team are now looking forward to the first derby of the season against old rivals Plymouth Albion at Brickfields.

Having never played in this fixture before, I am extremely excited to experience the atmosphere I have heard so much about.

With an expected crowd of over 5,000 rugby-hungry supporters, coupled with what I know will be a game of the highest intensity, it'll be one not to miss.

I have played in my fair share of derby matches with Wharfedale, against Otley and Harrogate, and I'm sure the Devon and Cornwall derby will be just as passionate.

The same preparation has gone into this game as any other, with reviews of last week and previews of our opponents, but there has been a real focus on our own camp.

I am a big believer in controlling our own game, individually and as a squad, and if we can do that then we will be very competitive.

Derby day at Brickfields will provide us with our toughest test to date, a great spectacle is certain, and bragging rights will be up for grabs.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version