Wimborne’s 1st team squad head up the M3 this weekend to face Twickenham RFC, looking to maintain their superb start to the season but lead coach, Matt Sturgess, is under no illusion as to the challenge ahead.
“It is a big test on the road this week. We had a very close encounter last season up there, only securing victory with the last play of the game. So, we are certainly not going to take Twickenham lightly and will continue to take each game as it comes.”
Reflecting on the positive start to the season and last Saturday’s victory over Old Tiffinians, Wimborne’s defence coach, Dylan Lloyd, added, “There were aspects of our game on Saturday that we could have controlled better but when we had opportunities to attack with pace we took them. The group want to learn and competition for places in the matchday squad is high.”
Whilst focus has probably, and understandably, centred on the exceptional attacking flair in these early season fixtures, coach Lloyd identified the defensive effort as being equally important in laying the foundations for continued success.
“We are proud of the attitude and willingness to work hard in defence, and this is becoming a strength of the side. We set ourselves high standards so were disappointed to concede those two late scores on Saturday,” he said.
With Captain Cam Taylor injured, fellow back row forward, Tim Ellis, will take the reins this weekend.
“We have made an excellent start to the season and will be looking to make it four wins on the bounce this Saturday”, said Tim.
“We travel to Twickenham full of confidence but know we’ll need to be at our very best to secure the five points”, he added.
Meanwhile, Wimborne 2nd and 3rd XVs are at home this weekend facing Frome II and Sherborne II respectively. Both teams remain unbeaten in what has been an outstanding start to the campaign for all senior Men’s sides at the club, and both will be hoping to create a ‘Fortress Leigh Park’ this season.
The home games will kick off at 3pm and the 1st XV match will be live streamed in the clubhouse simultaneously from Twickenham, so all support is most welcome.
