I hope everyone is enjoying the remaining August days....here at camp we are excited and counting the days down to September 3rd London Irish Wild Geese at Kingsey Road.

August has been a really positive month for us so far. On the 13th August we welcomed newly promoted National 1 Old Albanians, who last time at Chinnor put 50 past us and showed what running rugby was all about; this time round we played 30 boys over an 80 minute game versus a focused 22 man OA's squad, coming out 29-10 winners. OA's running rugby struggled against our defence that was both aggressive and controlled leading the way to victory.

We also proved that in attack we should have the ability to attack from all over the field. Seeing new faces blend so naturally with the old was a pleasure and the camaraderie of this group of boys is something that if worked on will hopefully pay dividends. It would be wrong of me to highlight any particular player in this game as so many boys put a marker down for the season.

Next up on Saturday gone was a very different affair; away to Harrogate. A 189 mile trip that I decided to use as a replica for a SW trip. We went on the day and after a 5 hour coach trip were greeted by a beautiful new ground set in the Yorkshire countryside with typical Yorkshire hospitality. Let's not get confused though, on the pitch I had warned the boys that this would be the polar opposite to OA's and a hard gnarly bunch of Yorkshire men was exactly what awaited.

With 2 games organised and having 25 boys in Harrogate, and 20 boys at Richmond we rotated chaps around making sure everyone got a fair share of rugby.

In Harrogate the first half was exactly what we needed. Scoring a beautifully worked try within the first 4 minutes, Luke Hibberd hitting a hard wide line and going over untouched was our downfall. For the next 35 minutes we were subjected to a Yorkshire 'kicking' at the breakdown and were out manoeuvred by a well organised but 'tough' pack.

Trailing at halftime 14-5 we made several changes and immediately took control. Playing against the wind we camped in Harrogate's half for 40 minutes and the Yorkshire boys only entered our half once. Final score 14-17 to Chinnor. Three tries to one

At Richmond a young bunch of Falcon boys faced a Richmond side that had beaten Henley 1st XV the week before. Richmond then taught us a lesson on what happens when boys don't train. Dave McKee and H Evans are doing a brilliant job but in a year when our Falcons will fly, structures and patterns can only be taught on a training night, not a pre match warm up.

Moving forward we have a Falcons game on Thursday evening against local rivals Grove. The team is an exciting one with a blend of experience and youth. Your support will be greatly received.

This Saturday sees a change in opposition. Loughborough have many injuries and were willing to fulfill the fixture but when Stourbridge Saxons opposition cried off we decided a better final week contest would be gained from switching teams. Stourbridge have a rich history within the National Leagues enjoying much success in National 1, and they have a strong desire to return there.

For me personally it is a club close to my heart having played mini/juniors, and my England shirt is still on their clubhouse wall. In my early coaching days, my father and I set up a Harlequins satellite Academy based at Stourbridge RFC which produced the likes of former Harlequins Captain George Robson.

Stourbridge have a healthy playing budget and will be expecting promotion in Nat 2North this season.

Finally having had a sneak peak at the new front of house I am buzzing with excitement for this coming season. Grab your friends and family and drag them to the club Saturday! Drink some ale, eat the world famous Jackie grub and shout for your town. The more your boys hear you the better they will play!

We are black, we are white

Matt