After a successful break from the league that saw East London advance two stages in the South Eastern Plate, they return to league play for match against 4th place Queen Mary’s University second XV this Wednesday.
The fixture will be played at Chislehurst sport’s ground, and will mark the fifth consecutive away match for East London.
Vice-captain Lewis Curtis has assured that this is in no way a problem for the team and they enjoy the away days.
Grudge Match
Only one league place, and a single bonus point separates the two teams, with East London sitting in third and Queen Mary’s in fourth.
This is the fixture that will separate which of the teams will challenge for the top two places, and which team will fade into the bottom half of the table.
It’s been a back driven expansive brand of rugby that has seen East London run in so many tries in the early stages of the season.
If they can get the front foot ball that their backs need, this fixture has the potential to be another try heavy victory for East London.
Queen Mary’s have not won a match since the second week of the season, with their most recent result being a 65-5 loss Kent third XV in the cup.
This record is not all their own fault, as they have had cancellations and an empty fixture list. But it can’t be healthy for their confidence going into an important fixture.
Hot Streak
On the contrary, East London now have three competitive wins in a row and come off last weeks strong defensive performance.
It was the first time East London has held a team to zero. And a new aggressive defensive focus for the team will aim to bring them another this week.
The game will kick off at 2pm at Chislehurst Sport’s Ground.
A Word From the Captain: “This week we have Queen Mary’s away. Off the back of a successful result in the cup last week, I’m hoping to build on that and put in a good performance in the league. Aggressive defending and expansive rugby were successful for us last week so we will look to replicate that again. If we play to our structure, i’m confident in the result.”
Player Focus: Lewis Curtis
Player focus this week is Lewis Curtis, vice-captain and starting number eight for East London.
It’s your first season as vice-captain, how has your role changed from last year?
“I’ve had to drive players’ motivation, dedication and commitment. I have also felt that my performances in games have had to have been to a higher level than I was playing in last season, to bring the best out of everyone, because when we are winning and are on a hot streak like we are now, the team is in a very good place!”
East London are starting to find some good form, how as a senior member in the team can you insure this continues and players stay motivated?
“So what I bring to the table to ensure we don’t fall off track, is to practice what has been taught in training during match warm-ups, so that it can be applied to our game. I also add input into team talks, as well as to individuals, to get players fired up.”
It’s the fifth consecutive away game, how does the travelling every week effect the team?
“It doesn’t effect us in the slightest! The boys all enjoy away days, because it’s an opportunity to to play somewhere different from our usual home ground. And when we come away with a win on their turf, it’s just as sweet as it is winning at home.”
St. Mary’s are just one point behind you and are enjoying a good start to their inaugural campaign, how are you feeling ahead of Wednesday’s fixture?
“I couldn’t be more confident. With the new players that have recruited this year we’ve definitely got a team capable of beating every team in the league. The performances of other teams doesn’t add any pressure, what matters is our performance on the day.”
