Once again we started slowly and we were 3-0 down by half time. The intensity of the Wilmslow team simply took us by surprise. Their boys were much bigger than us and they had two or three exceptional lads who caused us real problems.
However, the second half was a different story. Playing down the slope and with a renewed determination the boys really stepped up. They tackled like gladiators and matched the aggression of Wilmslow! This level of performance continued into the second game. Whilst it was another defeat, all of Wilmslow’s tries came late on with them playing down the slope. I have to say the score line flattered them.
This fixture has taught us many things:
1) We have to compete right from the kick off through to the final whistle.
2) We have to be focused and we have to be physical. Making a big driving tackle is as important as making a break. A number of times we were driving backwards because of the tackle, which led to a turnover and ultimately it gave them space to exploit.
3) We have to support our team mates. For the last three halves, we were rucking as a unit. Some of the clearing out was awesome! When we rucked and mauled as a unit we made progress and won the ball. When we allowed one player to become isolated we were driven backwards.
4) We have to stay in position and we have to defend as a line.
5) We need to make better decisions. Passing to a player who is under pressure, or throwing long passes which go to ground, simply gives the opposition an advantage. Sometimes we just need to take the tackle and allow support to come.
We are learning loads at the moment. This is a real step up from Tag. It is faster, there is greater continuity, and it hurts!
We have had a tough start to the season playing two of the best teams in Cheshire in Lymm & Wilmslow. We have given good accounts of ourselves.
I am very proud of everyone! We are making really good progress. Please keep it up!!
Next week is training. We will be working on our structure. We are going to focus on decision making and positional play.
Player of the week: Kofi Esegbona
Andy (coach)
__________________________________________________ Game 1
Wilmslow 3 - 0 Sandbach
Tacklers:
Rai Bennett: 13
Alex Bishop: 12
Max Clayton-Barker: 7
Rhys John: 7
Hal Dearnaley: 5
Nathan Almond: 3
George Cole: 3
Taylor Scott: 2
Kofi Esegbona: 1
___________________________________________ Game 2
Wilmslow 3 - 0 Sandbach
Tacklers:
Rai Bennett: 17
Alex Bishop: 14
Max Clayton-Barker: 11
Rhys John: 11
Kofi Esegbona: 7
Guy Cooke: 4
Jimmy Bebbington: 2
George Cole: 2
Hal Dearnaley: 2
Nathan Almond: 1
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