The Weasel arrived early to have a coffee and sit down to watch the gun Restricted 85kg University side and they didn't disappoint. They play a style of rugby that takes out the physical approach and move the ball quickly off the phase and take it wide, just like it used to be played not that long ago.

I was very impressed with the backline play and the approach of the number 10 who varied the play to suit.

I took time to look at the team lists for the Prem game and immediately the alarm bells were sounding with only three reserves and one Michael Semmons making his third game for the prems.

We settled into a nice pattern of play but occasionally our defensive line would be split open and it didn't take long before we were 21-0 down and playing "golden oldie" scrums as our young loosehead had to come off due to a neck injury.

Although the score continued to mount, we earned enough chances when we ventured into the red zone. We were let down by either a dropped pass or the bounce of the ball. At least four clear chances were butchered in our lack of finish.

To our credit, we didn't give it away and the whole 17 played the whole game and that's a tribute to this team sticking together when the going got tough. We just needed a bit more luck run our way whereas Rifles just couldn't believe their luck with at least four tries coming from deep in our half and the bounce of the ball playing a big part.

Again Kyan, our fullback, continues to impress with his incisive running and I see some real potential with this kid. Sure, he needs to up his kicking game and tidy up his defence (which isn't too bad) and he could get recognised with a Colts selection.

The captain of the day, Levi, showed up often with some powerful runs and with our previous co-captain likely to be out for the season, Levi has his chance to claim this spot going forward.

The forwards never shirked their work and when you look at the team there was no Ben (injured), with Liam taking the number 2 jersey and he proved his throwing was his asset and that's only getting acquainted with his jumpers on Thursday night!!

The Fijian boy Viliame is small by lock standards but he has a strong ticker and keeps going. I believe Michael Semmons got on the field and good for him to put his body on the line!!

Max at number 10 started well and at times used his initiative very well by being creative with his kicking for position. He still is young and he will get better.

Unfortunately the backs spent most of the day tackling as Rifles' big wingers bore down on them after every ruck.

Next week it's Varsity at home for "The Hutch", the Barrie Hutchinson Memorial Trophy, named in honour of a coach at both clubs who we believe is the only coach to win the Gallaher Shield at two different clubs.

The Club President took the mic after ceremonies had finished and praised our effort and talked very positively about the future, reiterated by many Rifles people present.

Heard the Under 21 result v Grammar and it sounded like we took the foot off the throat or we just couldn't finish them off when the opportunity was there. But they are well placed for the top six round.

The result that frightened the Weasel was how the Development team got badly beaten 116-0 by Otahuhu. Two big hammerings in the last fortnight and now we must regroup and try to finish the season on a positive high.

Good to see more improvement with our Women's Team who got by Pukekohe 29-22. This was their second win against a side they beat earlier this season.

Well done!