Disappointing though the result was from Exeter last weekend this coming weekend is the next episode in the ‘war’ and a winnable battle is in store at Billesley. 

The home support is vital this season particularly if, as seems possible that, four or possibly five teams are in danger of relegation come the end of April. Exeter Chiefs by contrast have only one aim this season – winning the league.

Whilst not attempting to make any excuses for last weekend, it’s always great to achieve a win against top teams (as we did last season against Nottingham, Plymouth and Cornish Pirates, say) but it ‘s the bread-and-butter games against lower ranked teams that are likely to determine our destiny this season.

It should be remembered that after a similar result at Northampton last season the team bounced back soon after to record a good win at Launceston 25-10.
We’d urge our supporters to put last weekend to one side, and get there in numbers to support Moseley this Saturday.

The first four games of the season have seen us play what most pundits think will be a top six side (London Welsh home – bonus point loss), a bottom third side (Newbury away –win), a middle ranking side (Coventry home– bonus point win) and a top two side (Exeter away– big loss). If this is an indication of what the season holds for us then we appear to be on target, we’re slap bang in the middle of the table at 8th.

There will undoubtedly be ups and downs this season and we have the opportunity to consolidate on Saturday against newly promoted Otley - but no one should take them lightly. They may still be looking for their first win of the season, but to run in three tries against Cornish Pirates in a close 25-31 defeat last Saturday shows decent form. No team in the league should be underestimated with at least half of them scrapping hard to stay away from the dreaded drop.   

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