First XV
Disappointingly, we lost to a try in the 45th minute of the second half but we cannot really offer excuses as we should have sown the game up much earlier. There were moments of excellent individual play, particularly from Steve Grainger and Ben Honey in the back row but the general feeling from the crowd (well Myself, Andy and a couple of blokes from Ambridge, or was it Harbury), was that the visitors wanted the win more than us. The Harbury website makes interesting reading.
On the day our first line tackling was not effective enough to halt their momentum and the kicking from hand was often without direction. If we adopt the kick and chase tactic then, to be honest, somebody should do a bit of chasing. My last observation is about goal kicking. We seem to kick some from the touchline but struggle with the simpler attempts which in this game cost us dearly.. Now, as a one-time goalkicker myself, a couple of cliches spring to mind as we all agree that it can be a pressure situation so yes it can be 'a hero or villain' moment but to make it easier my other suggestion is along the lines of 'practice makes perfect' Lecture over.
This saturday sees the return visit of Southam for a home league match. Brian, please make sure that the undersoil heating is turned on before you go home.
Development XV
We think that the vapours from low-flying aircraft got the lads in their game at Exiles. When the skipper recovers there will hopefully be some match details but all the news we have so far tells of an epic 5-5 draw.
Vandals XV
In honour of club president Sid reaching bus-pass age, the team travelled to one of his favourite clubs, (no not lap dancing clubs) but Tamworth rfc. No change to the pattern produced so far this season as tries came from Horse x3, Slippery Simon x2 and one each for Big Rob, Chris and Ralph who also got some kicks over. Final score 49-3 to Old Ys
Minis and Juniors
Another good weekend for our youngsters and their coaches/managers.
The very little ones, under 7s went to Bromsgrove and won one and drew two of their three games.
The under 9s hosted Wednesbury and won a close fought encounter by 4 -3 tries.
The under 13/14s continued to improve and beat Kings Norton convincingly. Team Manager Nigel Walker tells me that their style of flowing rugby reminds him of his own days as a player. Can any of his contemporaries support this claim? (only joking Nigel keep up the good work)
The under15s visited Alcester (pronounce it how you want) and played in a triangular against the home team and against Cheltenham. Excellent team spirit combined with determination saw us give the lads from Gloucestershire a run for their money before losing narrowly. In our second match we played well again and defeated the home club.
This sunday the under 15s are at home to Exiles with an 11.00 kick off.
My kicking tee
Sadly my need for a bright red lump of plastic which, as we all know, can win or lose matches has diminished and so it has been given a new home. There were many of our players considered to be in need including half the first team, many of the Dev. boys as well as Ralph and Nev from the vandals, although it tends to not matter so much for them. However, on sunday down at Alcester it was presented to under 15s outside half Jack Molloy (famous for his helicopter ride) who went on to succeed with every kick at goal. George, his dad, has promised to bring it to every game and let's hope that it does the trick!