Captain's Report : Mid-season Update 3rd Nov 04

Three strong premiership victories have provided the 2004 Oxford Blues with confidence and momentum in the lead up to the Major Stanley’s Match. The players have worked extremely hard this term, with extra fitness sessions taking players out of their comfort zones. This is my third Varsity season and I have seen the difficulty that captains and coaches are faced with in regards to training balance. Our intention is to work at a high intensity for the next four weeks and then taper as we approach the Varsity match.

I believe the composure shown by the players in the final minutes of our three premiership victories will prepare us well for the Varsity match on the 7th of December. We are fortunate to have a talented squad who are highly motivated and have a commitment to working hard for their goals. The team get along well socially and our social events have been well attended by the majority of the squad.

Our undergraduates are performing to a high standard, none more so than Jonan Boto whose speed, composure and elusiveness on the wing has kept many spectators on the edge of their seats this term. Doug Abbott, Dan Rosen and Ross Lavery have all performed strongly for the Blues squad this term and will be pushing hard for starting positions in the Varsity team.

As expected the competition for positions is extremely tight. Richard Woods and Tom Hayman have been consistent performers in the backrow, while Ben Durham and Doug Abbott have performed well this term. However, Pete Raftery will return soon from injury and will not give up the number six jersey without a fight.

John Fennell and James Whittingham have both excelled at fly half, while the latter has shown he would be equally comfortable at inside centre with his elusive running and deft passing game. We are particularly strong at half back with Chow Mezger, James Gaunt and Tom Maynard all playing with confidence.

The pressure of impending Varsity selection can become all consuming for players, often resulting in under performance. It is essential for players to focus on tasks and processes, whilst allowing for outcomes such as selection and results to take care of themselves. The Varsity campaign is a unique situation and players must be able to relax, if they are to perform at their optimal levels. There is debate as to how this can be achieved and what support the coaches and captain can provide. Feedback and honesty provide individuals with a guide to how they are performing and may help to reduce the anguish of selection disappointment and poor performance.

The 2004 Oxford Blues are well placed to achieve their goals and finish the season with a win in the Varsity match. Our aim is to continue to improve our defensive record, our set piece and phase play completion. We intend to do everything we can to ensure that we are the best prepared team.