The key message leading up to the game today was ‘PRESS’. We identified a problem (passive defence) and have been working, as a team, on urgently closing the space between our defensive line and their offensive line.
The first half demonstrated that lessons had been learnt; the collective defence and, indeed, individual tackling was faultless. The defence resulted in increased possession and boy did we use the ball well in attack; Ed S, Jack H, Matthew N, Will H and Alex W looked very exciting with ball in hand. Maidwell tested us with some deep kicks but Paddy D was equal to this challenge; his counter attacks were superb.
At the end of the first half we were 5-0 up after about 80% of the possession, but what a try…… Mr N counted 8 wonderful phases where the forwards and half backs linked beautifully, gaining ground with each bound, before John W bludgeoned his way over for a well-deserved lead, against the prevailing wind. Matthew N was very unlucky to have not scored, demonstrating some real pace, only a good covering tackle prevented our boys seizing those extra points before the break.
The second half was much tighter. Maidwell took the lead with a cheap break away through the mid field (5-7), but the SA team were not going to let this one go. The defence made the difference and the solid set piece gave a firm platform for Will A to execute some useful, pressure relieving kicks. Eventually, the SA pressure was too much for the visitors and, after some bulldozing runs by Ben E, Alex V, the newly appointed 1st XV Captain, crossed the line. Will A topped a wonderful individual performance as Vice Captain grabbing the extra 2 points.
Due to his tackling, kicking from hand and, indeed, leadership by example, Will A is named man of the match.
A wonderful team effort!
RRGS
Posted on
Thu, October 7, 2010
by MAC