That match was the start of a string of six away matches to take us up to half term. It was disappointing to lose to Sevenoaks and Chatham House; due mainly to lack of aggression and confidence, Sutton Valence saw us near our best form, and we played some very good rugby in patches at Eltham, but some drops in concentration made it a tough match to win.

Half term came and a well earned rest. Slight apathy had set in, quite understandably with training four times a week and maybe one or two matches Also, praying to use our strengths, that is the forwards, left many backs with little attacking chances and their game revolved around defence. It was therefore vital to cut down training to a minimal and involve the backs in more of the game. A new enthusiasm was injected into the team and we worked on speeding up the pace in an attacking situations. A back row/scrum half relationship grew and Barry Sanderson at fly half made some very penetrating runs.

In the matches against St Dunstans and the Old Boys we possibly played some of the best rugby of the season, and Paul Jones finally got to grips with his kicking. Against the Royal Hospital School we started off immaculately only to start struggling later as they took advantage of our injured fullback. In mid-week versus Howard School, there was no stopping us. We piled on fifty-two points, the highest first XV score for many seasons, of which all ten tries were complete team efforts, St Lawrence College came here full of confidence only to find us dominate the match from start to finish, great tackling all round, total commitment from the pack and Colin Morgans side step proved too much for them. Dover College also. caught us in good form, although a certain lack of aggression was apparent, and at Maidstone we caught the travelling blues. Our forwards were well matched and the backs lacked penetration, Pressure was not converted into points and mid-way into the second half Paul Solly, from whom so much revolves, was taken out of the match by a late tackle. Andy Marshall, as versatile as ever, took over his scrum half spot and we did well to hold them to a draw.

Our style of play this year was a complete contrast to last season. We played as a team, relying on our fitness and capitalising on half breaks,, A back row move was responsible for at least one try a match, and the defence very solid with powerful tackling. The front, row trio. Mike Waite, Mike Dearing and Bruce Baker earn a mention for a lot of very hard work with little glory, also Mick Phipps for his determination, "hunger" for the ball and relentless running around the park.

All our thanks to Mr Buck, who almost managed to wear a different hat each match, for his tireless efforts in coaching the side, aided by Mr Crisp. Also to all the support from Masters and Boys who came-to spur us on whatever the weather.

R C BAKER (Capt Rugby)