One week to the Nationals

Only one week to go before possibly our biggest test ever at U17, and an interesting day for the U14s as well. What is more the first time ever that the two age groups have had fixtures at different places on the same day.

For what its worth I think both teams have a good chance of making it to the next stage. Honestly. The U14s have already shown that Welwyn are no invincible, and in combination with Saracens should prove a match for all three of their opponents, and on paper a combined Letchworth/Sudbury team - even without Hayley - looks pretty tasty.

After all the U17s showed their strength in depth today at Ampthill. To go from 24 girls "on the books" only 13 for a game is bad enough (4 injuries, 3 scout campers, two "unavailables" [and a partridge in a pear tree..?]). But to lose in that all three of our players from last years U17 regionals, plus our single most experienced player and fly half, could have been a blow that would sink some teams - but those that were left completed the job in a professional manner. Gaps were filled, people stepped up to the plate and took the responsibility they needed to do.

The loss of Nim near the end of the first half, then Emily after that, shook things up for a period - without that the margin of victory (24-10) would have been far bigger - but shape was regained and the team held together for a result that was never really in doubt. Hopefully Joe will do a more detailed review later, but well done everyone.

With that experience next weekend I suspect Joe and the Sudbury coach are going to have some difficult decisions, not least because the total squad size is limited to 25. Its inevitable that some people will be disappointed, but it is rare we have to make selection decisions like this. Most of the time our aim is to give as much game time to as many of you as possible - participation comes first. But next weekend is different - its all about the result. Experience will be what counts - and if you miss out this time, then battle to make sure you make it next time.

See you all Wednesday... always assuming we can get to the ground in between the roadworks!