Congratulations for the great win on Saturday lead by the Giant JV and wish a prompt recovery to Stef and Oli.

London French saw off the determined challenge of visitors Hatfield on Saturday, winning 25 to 0 at home. The French started effectively absorbing Hatfields early forward pressure and setting up a strong position in the opposition half after an early line-out turnover. Awarded a penalty, wide and 5m out, Erwan went quick and found support in the tight channel. Smart handling put John Hannah over in the corner.

Hatfield pressed hard in response, but the French defence held firm and Quentin converted a penalty opportunity to extend the lead to 8 points. The 2^nd French try resulted from another line out and some strong mauling, John Hannah again finding a way to the line. After the break, James Vivian scored the 3^rd London French try after an entertaining run down the touch line. I will leave the details to a minimum here so that I can exaggerate them at a later date.

The final French points came from a scrum taken against the head, deep in the French 22. Francois burst down the blind and found his support runners, and one glorious, flowing movement later, Guillaume Ricome cross to score.

It was a good win for the French against a tricky opposition. That we shut them out to zero should be a source of great pride for the team. And the continuing form of our back line is a source of encouragement. Although denied the quick set-piece ball that allowed them to dominate in the previous week, they showed wit and initiative in broken play.

But there is room for improvement and we have not reached our potential as a team or as a squad. Decision making could be sharper and the interplay between backs and forwards needs further work. New flanker Jack, who showed pace and skill to bring the ball open, especially in the 2^nd half, but he needed angled runners to off-load to. Ian Hill coming on as winger showed how we can preserve possession and increase fluidity by playing beyond the number on your shirt.

At times our kicking from hand was rushed and uncertain. Better forward support in counter-attack, deeper defence against opposition kicking and confidence in contact will help remedy this. Â

Huge praise to all three of our superb back row, their hard work and talent laid the foundation for our win. Carrying the ball, securing turnover, at the set piece and at the breakdown they were at the heart of all our positive play.

For showing familiarity with the try line unbecoming in 2^nd rows, John Hannah and James Vivian drank the dirty pints.