Clive Stuart-Smith column

By Clive Stuart-Smith
Esher RFC scrum-half

Stuart-Smith has captained the England Saxons side

After a positive result and training week we headed up to the Midlands in a confident mood. The pitch was as dry as a bone and there was not a hint of rain in the sky, which is certainly rare for England.

However, the standard of our rugby did not match the weather. A current trend we have and need to banish is not starting well. There are only so many times you can afford to do this, particularly against quality opposition. What was most displeasing was that the majority of Bedford's points came directly from our errors.

We simply were not at the races. It was like we were a horse with only three working legs trying to compete at the Grand National. It's probably not going to be a winner.

We have been in a metaphorical surgery for the early part of the week and had our fourth leg nicely sewn back on.

Worcester are a formidable side with Premiership pedigree and we must demand an 80 minute performance

And the wound has healed well, which is just as good because this week is arguably our toughest fixture. Worcester are a formidable side with Premiership pedigree throughout and we must demand an 80 minute performance.

Having only a few sessions together has forced us to move on pretty quickly. Last week is now in the past and dwelling on our mistakes will not bode well for the coming weekend. A phrase in Afrikaan is "positief wees" and that is very fitting. Nothing to do with happy toilets, it means be positive.

Esher hooker James Campell dresses up for his birthday

A year ago not many people would have believed this fixture would even take place and so we are hungry not to let the opportunity slip by. We must go out, express ourselves and hopefully be in contention when the final whistle nears.

On a very happy note congratulations to James "Chesty Chestiow" Campbell and David "Slem" Slemen on their joint 21st birthday. "Chesty Chestiow" had been eagerly awaiting his birthday treat and couldn't contain his excitement.

Being 21 allowed him to fulfil a lifelong ambition, something he had been dreaming of ever since he was a wee nipper.

To this day he has worn his tailor-made Lycra under his clothes, just in case he is needed to lead the Rangers into a Mighty Morphin Battle. Let's hope it doesn't come to this.