2 Feb 2008 - Nailsea 12 V's Coombe Down 15

A disappointing Nailsea performance against a good, strong, aggressive Coombe Down side who came down with us last season. They now have three wins in three games. I think they may win a few more. There were those who anticipated Coombe Down would not be good enough. They were quite wrong. They are a good side. Their desire was reflected at the final whistle in their response to beating us.

We are at a stage of the season where if having seen how Nailsea performed last season someone had asked me what I expected at this point I would not of said to be sat at the top of the table contesting promotion.

That’s where we are and together with that the expectations and pressure are full on. These expectations are not just from the players but from supporters aswell. The players and coach have worked extremely hard this season to get us where we are. The coach would like to think this side are doing more and thinking more about their game play than ever before. The skills are improving but there will always be those whose skill levels are at such a peak they don’t need improving. The attitudes count for a lot at this stage coming into big games. Talk is still cheap. With some players making themselves unavailable this was always going to be a hard one for those prepared to commit themselves. The issue of players not being available is one the coach is quite prepared to cope with. Its not new he has had to all season and won games.

Today we were to slow out of the blocks and paid for it. The ball retention was better this week but generally some poor decision making at key times was fatal. The ball is still to slow getting to the midfield. With good quick ball this team will tear sides up but the presentation, link and swiftness of delivery have to be better. There were some very positive phases, especially the way the tries were scored but why oh why does it take so long to realise what works and what doesn’t. Some new line outs worked well. Adapt is a word said many times by the coach. Don’t keep doing the same things if they don’t work.

So, back to the drawing board. Although the ability is there the challenge is now that of the players. Nelson Mandella once said on becoming president “ The challenge is to be more than mediocre” How will we respond to this defeat. 

The referee suggested at length to the coach afterwards that Nailsea's poor discipline added to the problems. The coach agrees entirely however can only say so much. Often players do not like the bad things being pointed out to them although they are very happy to recognise what they have done well. Frustration at knowing they are getting it wrong is also unhelpful.

The latter stages of the game demonstrated just how poor discipline can cause you to lose games even when you are defending immaculately and looking to attack at any opportunity.

Penalties throughout the game cause problems but when you are within touching distance of a score these things really do matter. The referee is always right and does not appreciate being told how to ref his matches. So we look forward to the arrival of top of the table Burnham on Sea. What will this week hold for us ?

Tries – Palmer, Trinick

Con – Stephens

12 – 15