3 – 18 Half time, 17 – 33 Full time
A much improved performance by the 1s this Saturday. Whilst the team was disappointed to not put a long overdue W on the board, we took a massive step in the right direction and will look to build on it at this week’s training.
It quickly became obvious before the game that the Old Ruts would be tough opposition as they continued to warm up during a few minutes of rain before the game, whereas LM decided to seek shelter and keep warm.
LM got off to a good start, going up 3-0 in the first minute of the game, but leaked 18 points over the next twenty minutes. Whilst some of the Old Ruts points were opportunistic, it was really LM’s bad habit of starting slow that created a mountain which, in the end, proved too steep to conquer.
To the credit of the leaders in the team, they changed our tactics part way through the first half, as the LM backs had looked dangerous with the ball, whilst the forwards battled up front. Giving the backs more ball proved an excellent decision as they lived up to their reputation with some fantastic strong and elusive runs throughout the game. This, combined with support from the forwards, lead to LM looking the better team in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
LM took their first half form into the second half and scored a try in the first ten minutes. Chig caught the ball, busted a few tackles, passed to Barry who moved the ball to the try scorer, George. Wayne added the extras with a difficult kick from out wide and, at 10–18, it seemed the momentum had switched to LM and the game was still within reach.
Whilst the Old Ruts forwards had initially been strong in the scrum and rucks, their all pie diet began to take its toll as they looked tired in the second half. This is a positive that the LM forwards can take away from the game as we looked more mobile.
After some good periods of play during the second half, LM were unlucky not to have more points on the board, however the team looked rusty at times making some questionable decisions in 50/50 situations or simple mistakes at crucial times that let the opposition off.
LM leaked another try to the Old Ruts wing, which was partly the result of our players going too high in their tackles. The team as a whole was guilty of tackling high throughout the game, and this is perhaps something that needs to be addressed at the next training session. 10-25.
To LM’s credit, whilst disappointed, our heads didn’t go down and the team hit back within 10 minutes with a fantastic try. LM had Old Ruts under pressure in their 22, the Old Ruts fly half hoofed the ball down towards half way, which was caught on the full out near the side line by Chig. Chig then ran the ball back on the diagonal for 30 – 40 meters, pushing off a number of defenders before off loading. Two passes later Phil was touching down and Wayno added the extras. LM was back in the game again at 17-25, with around 15 minutes to play.
LM applied pressure from the re-start and the opposition resorted to long kicks from inside their half. One kick went down into the LM 22, Ben (9) tidied up but was forced to hold on to the ball due to a good chase from the opposition. One of the Old Ruts props didn’t take kindly to Ben not giving the ball back, so they went toe to toe (scrum half vs. prop!) and were both sent to the bin for 10mins.
With the game still wide open, LM launched another sustained period of pressure in the Old Ruts half only to have the good work undone by an Old Ruts kick behind the line which resulted in an 85 meter try to their wing. 17-33 with 5 minutes to play.
LM continued to play for the full 80 minute, and were shortly back on Old Ruts goal line. After maintaining drive after drive at the line with excellent ball security, the ball went out towards one sideline and Wayno was pushed into touch whilst diving for the line in the final act of the game.
The final score, 17-33, was not an accurate reflection of the game. The situation could have been different had we not given away so many points in the first quarter of the game or if we hadn’t made so many minor mistakes. To give credit where it is due, Old Ruts looked like a team that had been playing and practicing together for some time, whereas LM looked like a team of great individuals still building their team game.
The team was 10x better for the practice last Wednesday, especially as the game went on and we found our rhythm. However, we still need more polish if we are to reach our potential and start dishing out some hidings.
Side note:
Numpty of the match – Old Ruts blindside flanker, Liam. The first time I have seen someone look so serious about wanting a fight whilst running backwards and away from the opposition. Further proof that cousins should not be allowed to marry.
Vince.
