The transformation of the RAFRU(W) continued last week when the Performance Squad conducted a 5 day training session based out of Aldershot. By combining 2 fixtures, there was a greater opportunity to consolidate training and undertake fitness testing. The new player pathway through the Development Squad led to 6 players putting on a RAF shirt for the first time, all making an immediate impact.

The first match, played on 4 Nov, against Saracens 2nds was lost 10-7. The RAF had over 60% of the possession and entered the score zone 23 times in the 1^st half. In this case possession did not lead to points; however, in the second half a fantastic side step followed by a charge through the centre of their defence led to a try from Hutchings. Although the match highlighted several areas for improvement it was a great performance against a Div 1 side.

On 7 Nov the squad took on a Wasps/Richmond joint side which included 5 current internationals. A physically demanding and very quick match was won by Wasps/Richmond in the dying moments 15-10. The RAF proved their ability in defence battling hard and refusing to surrender ground against a fresher opposition. Again, a superb performance against quality opposition.

An excellent start to the season, the women will be playing Old Albanions on Thursday 9 December at Woollams Playing Fields (KO provisionally 1900).

RAFRU(W) Performance Squad:

Armstrong; Bird; Bowers; Carlyon; Chilvers; Corns; Crole; O'Donnell; Faulds; Gianassi; Hallworth; Hutchings; Lees; Mitchell; Muir; Oladimedji; Parr; Reade; Reddaway; Slungaard; Thornton; Underwood; Waters; Wilkinson; Williams; Wilmore