Director of rugby Warren Abrahams pleased with how his side are progressing

Millwall RFC director of rugby Warren Abrahams is pleased with how his side are progressing ahead of the start of their Essex One campaign, which begins on September 24.

Last weekend, Abrahams saw his side record a 34-12 victory at May & Baker, and although his side won, the South African insists Millwall are not yet at 100 per cent.

“Our main focus is getting ready for that first league game in just over a week’s time,” he said.

“We had a good victory last weekend against May & Baker and we played well in certain areas.

“However we made some unforced errors and had a high penalty count.”

Abrahams also revealed that his team’s display was strong for the first hour, but then faded for the final 20 minutes, something that may be fitness related.

“We stuck to our structure well and caused the opposition problems,” he said.

“But after about 60 minutes we went a little flat and allowed them back into the game and that is when they scored their two tries.

“We pride ourselves on our defence, so I know that the team were disappointed with that.

“But we were a month behind in pre-season training when I arrived here and the lads have worked very hard to reduce that deficit in such a small amount of time.”

“Overall we did very well and we are progressing well and in the right direction which is important.

“We just need to cut out the unforced errors as they could well be the difference between winning and losing a game.”

Abrahams also revealed that there were a number of players that performed well at the weekend.

“There were some great individual performances,” he said.

“Our backs looked dangerous whenever they got the ball, but the standout performer on the day was Matt Turner.

“He plays at number eight and he was our man of the match.”

For their first two pre-season friendlies, Andrew Carr has captained the side, and Abrahams is keen for that to continue.

“Before our first game two weeks ago, the team wanted Andrew to be captain and he has done a great job,” said Abrahams.

“As long as that continues, then he will have the armband.

“As a team we are confident and the spirit in the camp is high.

“We will be ready for the start of the season.”