2nd XV v Bramcote Lorne Lost 22-7

S. Anselm's 2nd XV versus Bramcote Lorne 1st X

LOST 22-7

Bramcote Lorne fielded a ten man side with only a days' notice. It was agreed with the opposition coach that we would play twenty minutes of ten-a-side and twenty minutes of fifteen-a-side.

The ten-a-side game suited the Bramcote team who had obviously fielded their very best players and left the others behind. They had obviously trained for the ten man game and that left us exposed. S.Anselm's lost 34-7. The fifteen-a-side game also saw S. Anselm's losing 22-7.

It was a frustrating afternoon and it was obviously that the strange nature of the situation imposed on S. Anselm's by Bramcote that seriously disrupted our boys. There were moments of brilliance and S. Anselm's managed to score two tries. Nevertheless, the team lost focus and drive and were up against a team that was strong and quick. We stood off the opposition and allowed them to run at us. Our defensive line often had gaps and we did not push up when we should have done.

Ina attack, the odd spirited charge was not followed up by determined and united rucking. Too often the boys went into rucks upright and in ones and twos. The backs did not run onto flat passes at pace and instead the ball was thrown further and further backwards. There were some good moments and some individuals played well but as a team performance this was lacklustre and we must not solely blame the unusual last minute request from Bramcote Lorne. 

RDM