The fixture list for the start of the season has been tough but has the squad now battle-hardened after a relatively unproductive pre-season. Fitness is now starting to edge up and the new boys are beginning to understand the patterns. The last two Sundays have seen relatively easier fixtures and big results against Portsmouth and Farnborough, so we go into next week's league match against local rivals Petersfield with full confidence. It was great to see everybody back from injury last Sunday, a full 29 man squad turned out and everone had a decent run out and a chance to stake a claim for their position.

The depth of our squad is now truly impressive and there is pressure for places and tactical options in every position. New joiners in the past season or two have undoubtedly strengthened our squad though it's worth noting that more than half of our 22 for Petersfield have been with us since they were U8. Whilst we have stuttered on occasion against some top class opposition this season, the whole squad has learned from those defeats, is positive, enthusiastic and just as excited as the coaches are for what lies ahead.

Petersfield have played far fewer games than us so far, and will be full of confidence after beating Jersey 12-0 in their first league match. We can expect a tough encounter, as all league 1 matches are - on home turf they will be determined and proud. We will have to take a big step up after the last two games if we are to be successful.

Squad

Alex Adams; Ralph Andrews; Ed Benn; Ollie Brench; Tom Bugler; James Forrest; Joe Gwyther; Krishna Gurung; Will Hamer; Alex Heath; Charlie Hibbert; Oscar Jermyn; Fonzy Ledesma; Doug Lowe; Dan Mortara; Ed Pasfield; Charlie Rands; Joe Randall; Ed Simmons; Josh Smith; Adam Stoller; Aaron Whatling