PJF eye Mid Table Finish

Deal and KCS both lost allowing PJF to breathe down their necks in an attempt to draw themselves further up the London 3SE League. With promising fixtures against both these teams to come, PJF are somewhat optimistic of taking something positive from this season.

Despite the wintry conditions PJF set about a rather lacklustre Eastbourne XV who have pretty much been relegated. PJF's early forward dominance allowed good territorial advantage which encamped them in the host's half for the first period. PJF were able to lift themselves above the disrupting tactics of the home side as they showed a strong discipline and resolve to perform well. Quite often, against weaker, non-interested and spoiling opponents PJF capitulate and end up in a streetwise dog fight. On Saturday this was not the case. Keeping their shape and game plan saw PJF rise above the melee around them to outscore Eastbourne by 6 tries to 2.

A facet of PJF's recent play has been the improvement in first phase possession. Scrums have been tighter and more productive, line out play has seen us secure our own ball and pressurise the opponents throw. From such areas a good base has been created allowing the free flowing backline to window case their potency. With this is mind it is refreshing to report that 3 of Saturday's tries came from the unsung heroes of the front row. Captain and Loosehead John Cox, Hooker Dave Sia and Tighthead James Quigley all bagged a try to round off a front row hat trick.

PJF now look to carry their recent successful run forward as they mount this late season charge on the middle of the table. With their current play and determination a mid table position would be a great reward for their continued efforts during this season.

PJ put the PJ into PJF this weekend as he marshalled the 2's through a tricky encounter with Effingham & Leatherhead. PJF ran out eventual 24-17 winners in a topsy turvy game. In reality the 17 points conceded flattered the visitors who didn't really have much to offer other than relying on a somewhat disinterested official who's decision making took some working out. A brace of tries from newcomer Javier at scrum half set the tone as PJF took the game to their opponents. This was after Eff had taken the lead against play. John Cllayton thundered over from good back play and to roound it off Kev McNally muscled his way over. Charlie Fisher rounded the day off with a couple of conversions. Play of the day came from an outrageous Harlem Globetrotter round the body pass from Steve Bruck to Bob Scarborough in the centre of the park, this confused the oppo as well as Bob who was perplexed as to how the ball had gotten to him.

To round off a good Club day, Tony Mawer's 3rd XV defeted Sutton & Epsom 15-0. The team dominated most phases of the game and kept their visitors in check to take zero back into the clubhouse. Nick Crumplin, Chris Pipe and youngster Alex Wilson all scored tries underlining an overall good team performance.

Well done all who played on Saturday - you see we can do it and there are still many of us dragging our heels over availability (yours truly included). So come on let's get amongst it and look to boost the Club's run into the end of the season.