Captain's Corner with 2nd XV captain Harrison Slater
Ahead of this weekend's fixtures we spoke to Harrison Slater, 2nd XV captain, about the start of the season and his first league appearance leading the side.
“Pre-season has gone really, really well. The boys have bought into every process brilliantly, and the commitment at training has been superb, with 40 to 50 players turning up week in, week out. For the first time in a long while, the first team is feeling real competition across the squads, with everyone pushing each other hard. Even though we’re missing a few regulars from last season, the fresh faces and hungry players stepping up have more than filled the gaps. Our 59-0 win over High Wycombe was a perfect example of what happens when hard work pays off, and it has given us a real sense of confidence heading into the first league game of the season.”
“This weekend we take on West London, newcomers to the Middlesex Merit Table Division 1. To be honest, we don’t know too much about them, other than they’ve been promoted. We nearly faced them in a cup tie last year, but it never came off. That unknown element adds a bit of excitement – everyone is keen to put a marker down for the season and show that the competition for shirts this year is fierce.”
“There are plenty of players in the squad I would highlight. We’ve got 18 to 23 players really raring to go – a mix of returning students, new signings who have strengthened the squad, and a couple of the more experienced heads who have put in some serious work over pre-season. I won’t give too much away, but the Merit League will soon know who we are.”
“Being named captain is something really special for me. I’ve been at the club for 22 years, and over the last three I’ve had to transition from being a squad player to a senior player, taking on a new approach both on and off the pitch. Having my management recognise that and trust me to lead the 2s this season is a huge honour. Last year, being vice-captain to Luke gave me real insight into what it means to be a senior player and helped make this transition seamless. I’m buzzing to walk the boys out on Saturday and see the squad in full swing – it’s going to be a season to remember.”
This weekend’s fixtures:
Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v West London – 13:00
Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Chiswick – 15:00