09/06/2024
In conditions that can only be described as grim, the lads battled through to take a vital two points and get us back to winning ways.
We had trained really well this week but could we put this impressive sturcture into action on gameday and put to bed the last two poor performances.
We started well and an impressive new combination on the left of Luke, Fin and Jacob clicked immediately with Jacob releasing Luke into the corner with a great miss out pass for a breathtaking try.
The whole set had fluidity, strong early carries, then a move to the right, then back to a point before the try in the left corner. We have clearly learned from our last outing against Pilks that simple, one out rugby WILL NOT beat the best teams in our league and we have to get the ball out to the edges. Wanting to do it is one thing, executing it is another. This was a great mive. A powerful Joseph effort on the right and another great move on the left edge was touched down by Jacob and put us well in control.
Our pack was playing well, Theo was running through brick walls, Oli was a rampaging bull on many occasions and the forwards were laying the platform for the more expansive rugby we were seeing.
Some strong and determined running by Bank Quay put the hosts rght back in the game at 12-12 at half time. We had to keep our nerve and stick to the process but again silly mistakes, letting kick offs bounce and not respecting possesion made it more nervous than it needed to be. However, a solo effort from the back of the scrum by Oli got the try his performance deserved, it also settled the nerves somewhat, however as the game neared its conclusion it was on a knife edge.
It was tense and you could see both teams wanted the win. When a small scuffle in the corner led to four players seeing red, (2 from each team) anything could have happened. Composure and discipline were imperative for the final 5 minutes.
I do think the ref probably got a bit flustered by the squabble and yellows would have been more appropriate however apart from this I thought he is probably one of the best we've had all year. It was so refreshing to see him talking to the players, on their level and explaining his decisions. As a young ref his control of the game in general was excellent. Well done young man.
When the game restarted, it was left to vice captain Charlie to complete the scoring, jinking his way over in the dying minutes to take the win.
Much, much better today. Playing as a team, good passing, and playing a good level of rugby with structure and awareness. Let's hope this is the start of regular performances of this standard!!
Player of the Match - Theo
Top Tackler - Ronnie
Opposition Player - Luke
Les Jones award - Dec
