Raiders captain James Arthur’s weekly column (September 30)

HINCKLEY RFC were promoted from National 3 North last season but, with one team having to level transfer across into 2 South, they were deemed the most southerly team and as a result we made the long five-hour trip north on Saturday.

We went with one change to our starting pack, with Sam Pitchford coming in and a forced late change on Thursday with Richard Briggs moving into the centres to replace Greg Sullivan. There were also new caps for hooker Matt Gue, prop Paul Webster and utility back Ollie Luke.

Playing into the stiff breeze in the first half, we were forced to play rugby and keep the ball in hand.

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It was a half where, to be honest, we weren’t up to the standard that we expect from ourselves.

We played in fits and starts, scoring tries but also conceding some soft ones.

As a result, we went into half-time trailing by a point. We started the second half strongly and with some intelligent kicking pinned Hinckley into their own half and, after some strong driving play from the forwards, Richard Briggs showed some great footwork and a turn of speed to score.

It wasn’t long before Matt also went over for the first of his brace of tries, his second securing the bonus point.

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We had hoped to kick on from this point, however, Hinckley had other ideas and came back fighting to score two more tries. Again, at times, our defence was a little suspect and it is something that we will continue to work on at training.

The scrummage improved from the previous week and the backs are looking very dangerous. One of the most pleasing aspects of our game is that we are scoring tries – something that this time last season we were struggling to do.

In a round-up of the rest of the games, Henley, Jersey, Richmond, Lydney, Southend, Old Albanians and Ealing all had wins.

Unlike last year, it is becoming apparent that there is a gap developing between the top and bottom teams, with more tries and bonus points being awarded.

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The Raiders have now played four games of this 2010-11 season and have amassed 15 out of a possible 20 points, which is more than respectful.

This week Shelford travel to Roundstone lane. They have had a mixed start to the season, winning only one of their last four games.

However, two of these games have been against Jersey and Henley, who already are looking like contenders for the top spot.

We will need to play the best rugby we have done this year to gain a victory on Saturday and we hope that you can join us for a 3pm kick-off at the Rugby Park.

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