Boss Richard Hill insisted his player’s ‘respect for the ball’ was crucial as the Warriors roared to an emphatic 48-3 victory over Esher Rugby in the RFU Championship.
Head Coach revealed after the game that he had drilled into his squad during the week the importance of ball retention and putting phases together after the manner of victory over Rotherham Titans.
The Warriors reacted by producing the most accomplished display of the campaign with braces from Andy Goode and Tom Arscott while Marcel Garvey and Graham Kitchener also touched down.
“We were much better and that was a stride forward – the main reason was that we kept hold of the ball,” he said.
“We worked and talked all week about retaining possession after three or four phases and then scoring some tries.
“This is the first game where we managed multi-phases and were able to keep it for one minute or more. That is when the holes appear.
“Our ball retention was good and we cut out 50/50 passes, the players had more respect for the ball and there was more chat to the ball carrier. Esher are a good side so to score six tries is no mean feat, remember Bristol came here and lost.
“We still made it hard work for ourselves,” he added. “We had two missed chances in the first half when James Collins went through and passed to Miles Benjamin, he was close to the line and if he was a little more selfish and went himself he could have scored. Marcel Garvey also knocked on at the line after more great movement.
“We could have scored another two tries in the first half, but thankfully went in at 13-3 at half-time and the players responded with a superb start to the second half to really kill it off.”
Hill was also full of praise for star duo Tom Arscott – who scored a stunning second half solo try – and the ever hungry for action Graham Kitchener.
“Tom Arscott did a huge amount of running and some great counter attacking,” said Hill. “He scored one try and then they were kicking back to him again. He had to show great energy and I thought it was his best game of the season so far.
“Graham Kitchener is also enjoying getting his hands on the ball. You can see all the forwards are getting their hands on the ball and making breaks. It’s about time the forwards got on the score sheet though with all these backs scoring!
The only disappointing factor for Hill was an injury to Rob Higgitt who limped off and is set to miss several weeks of action with a knee ligament issue.
He added: “Rob has picked up a knee injury and is looking at four to six weeks out, but I will still make changes next week.
“A number of players have had quite a bit of rugby now after four games and we have players who are desperate to come in.
“I will mix things up and some will get an opportunity. You could see after four games that this team is getting used to play together, but it is important that others get a chance too.
“It is important that we have a whole squad that is capable of playing in this style – I don’t just want to use 15 or 18.
“It is disappointing to lose Rob after Greg King was injured the other night. However, that is why the whole squad needs rugby, when we lose someone like that we are not worried because we have someone else who can step up and play.”