Sun 12 Sep 2021, 12:00
The boys’ first game of the new season, and time for them to get their heads back in the game and work on the new skills and approach to the game that they’ve been coached in the few sessions running up to this weekend.
After a promised match day squad of 22, we started the game with 20 players, a short warm-up saw us name a strong starting XV against a smaller sized Corsairs squad. Games versus Corsairs have always been very good contests and this one was no different.
Making the first team changing room our own and playing in front of a good crowd on the main pitch, the lads were given their starting numbers and donned their shirts, noting that this season we didn’t need four other players to get them on and off each of them. Thanks to the Kit Fairy (Elicia).
The game started with a fast pace and our defence was tested a number of times and held fast against a solid and resilient Corsairs attack.
Eventually, the defence lapsed just enough for Corsairs to go over with their first try, the lads kept at them and didn’t let their heads drop. Discipline from both teams wasn’t the best and this lead to a number of opportunities from penalties.
In the second half the lads seemed to click and the game structure showed and paid dividends with Ellis going over for our first try of the game, and Archie for our second. Some fantastic kicking from Oliver A brought us right back into contention, and eventually the lead 17-12. Unfortunately, in the last quarter of the game, our defence let us down and Corsairs went over for their third try and kicked the conversion, final result 17-19.
The coaching team have stressed to the boys that the scoreline and result isn’t important at this stage, that will come in the New Year and the NLD competition, what is important is they show their mettle and determination throughout the game and play the way we know they can.
Some of the stand-out performances included: Archie, great general play and a try on debut for Pavs; Will and Jamie in the centres with their carrying and direct running lines; Eddie for an all-round good game; and Ethan J, aggressive and determined cover tackling on some big runners and likely try-saving. Well done to them and the whole team.
Unfortunately several of the team picked-up injuries meaning a few weeks’ lay-off whilst they recover. Going forward there is much to work on with the lads, their defensive efforts were huge and complimented by the opposition coaches, tactical thinking on our own goal line and game management are two key work-ons and the lads are starting to identify themselves where improvements can be made.
We go again next Sunday, away at Southwell, always a fiercely contested fixture between the two sides, this will be no different. Game faces on and lets pick-up from the second half of this weekend’s game.
The Coaches
