7 Dec 2007 - Half Season Review and Keynsham Match Report
With some late changes to the side this week, Bradley Kemp made an unexpected return at blindside flanker and Jason Patch came into Full Back for Tony Perfect(Injury) and Alex Blackwell (gay trip to Milan, only £20 though!!) respectively. Pete Reakes returned to the bench, Unchanged was the Front five of promising youngster Rob Lee, captain Mark Hooper, head strong Dave Kirk and the second row of Powerful Andy Martin and the reliable Ian Ogbourne.
The pre-match weather report didn't show ideal running rugby conditions but in what was probably the only time in the game Nailsea did exactly that, It was only after a few moments when the forwards set up some quick ball, the backs, fresh and still covered in deep heat from head to toe had good depth and good hands to give Matt Watkins - AKA "Jonny Jet Shoes" a one on one with his opposite number, JJS rounded him with ease to place the ball over the line, unconverted, 5 - 0
then the rain and hale started and Keynsham played the slope as it should be played, this resulted in the remaining 30 minutes being played in the Nailsea 22 and having to defend Keynshams powerful malling and forward orientated play. One moment in particular stood out when Second Row Andy Martin and Scrum Half Dan Goodman made a superb tackle over the line and held up a Keynsham player that could have made this game tighter than it should have been, Defence is probably the most consistent part of this teams season so far and this shows in the league table, although there is the occasional missed or high tackle, Nailsea always seemed to have a second and third wave of defence always in place to make cover tackles when needed and this makes us a very difficult side to score tries against. Keynsham did reply with a Penalty for their efforts but going into half time 5 - 3 down was probably less than they deserved.
The second half became a more 10 man orientated game, Kenysham managed to keep the Nailsea midfield under pressure and getting the ball wide proved difficult for Nailsea, with the Nailsea 12 standing a little flat, he did not give himself or his outside centre the time to spread the ball, mixed with runners also being flat and trying to take the ball stood still meant that contact generally was at or inside the 13 channel. This then slowed the game down and whilst on occasions Paul Stephens and Scott Goodall did manage to kick good field position , Nailsea never really managed to click it all together and realise at the time that if they had focussed on getting a little more depth and started running into space they could have broken this strong opposition down.
Fortunately for the spectators, players and the whole rugby world community, something astonishing happened half way through the second half that you will probably have to read a few times to believe. I would never question the abilities of a fellow team mate, especially not a forward, I did not however, think I would ever write a sentence like I am just about to!!
From a loose ball PROP and captain Mark Hooper set off with a facial expression that indicated he was....yes wait for it.....sprinting, as he topped out at 2.4mph he must have breathed in as he appeared to go light on his feet and....wait for it.....sidestep 2 players, pin his cauliflowers back and head for the corner, another back type shimmy and he was off loading over the shoulder (I know it sounds like a joke but it really did happen) to Pidge who was in support and benefiting more from the slope as he blistered in support at 2.9mph, this presented a dilemma as he was now faced with a softie back between him and the try line line, Time then stood still (or he was just really running that slow) for the coach, the fans, and his team-mates, what was he going to do ?? back and try line in front of him, a supporting player and nothing else to the right of him.... this would be a personal battle between white line fever or a left handed pass, Pigeon Kemp puffed up his multicoloured chest set himself to sit the full back down and then to everyone's surprise PASSED the ball, this was now two front five forwards that had touched the ball without error and would you believe it, Second Row Andy Martin who was also pushing his legs to the limit at 3mph, caught the ball and went in over the line. As this is the only time I have seen such a freakish event from three front 5 players and with jokes to one side it was a privilege to witness such a momentous occasion and I vote that try as the best of the season so far. Conversion missed score - 10 - 3.
Keynsham would not let Nailsea take this game away from them and battled well, their backs picking good lines and their number 8 and 10 standing out for them as influential players. They subsequently walked away with three points from a penalty leaving them within a converted try to share the points with 10 minutes remaining. Nailsea dealt with this well and bar a couple of occasions, one where Centre Scott Goodall nearly gifted them a try under the posts after failing to kick for position and trying some risky moves in his own half, the other he duly made up for with a good cover tackle soon after where he caught a Kensham player who was clean through and heading for the line.
This game ended 13 - 6 and I think although the rugby wasn't perfect, the coach and captain were more than pleased with how this team, for the first time this season, really dogged out a victory, they defended resiliently and got the win they needed, Mark Hawkes had nothing but praise to the shivering, muddy, wet and cold team that had got him the two points to keep his side top of the table.
Team - Hooper (capt), Kirk, Lee, Ogbourne, Martin, Palmer, Kemp, Seidle, Goodman, Stephens, Davey, Goodall, Morris, Watkins (matt). Reps - Reakes, Mansfield, Watkins (Mick)
Tries: Martin, Watkins
Conv:
Pens
A break from action next week but can I urge every player from the club, all teams, your mates, wife's, girlfriends, children, aunts uncles etc to get down the club THIS SUNDAY 11AM KO to support our U17's in the combination cup final against Clevedon, This is a big game for the lads, not too mention the fact that NBRFC is hosting and competing in a cup final at West End Park, I have been privileged to play in some important games at Nailsea in front of a packed sideline cheering us on and I know how much that lifts the team, I am sure Clevedon will come down well supported and our lads not only deserve the support from all of us as a club but it can make a difference to a player and I hope to see as many people down supporting as possible, Good Luck Geoff, Tony Hill, Captain Shaun Marks and all of the players, coaches and associates of their team, were all routing for you and will be there to cheer you on.
Nailsea 1st XV return to action on the 15th December in another crucial fixture to end 2007 away against Old Culverhasians who we had a tough battle with just two weeks ago. A win would ensure Nailsea remain 2 points clear (if Burnham win there game in hand against Martock), with Burnham losing out to North Petherton this week it now puts pressure on everyone else to win and more pressure on us to perform every week if we are to remain in top spot for the remainder of the season.
The pre-match weather report didn't show ideal running rugby conditions but in what was probably the only time in the game Nailsea did exactly that, It was only after a few moments when the forwards set up some quick ball, the backs, fresh and still covered in deep heat from head to toe had good depth and good hands to give Matt Watkins - AKA "Jonny Jet Shoes" a one on one with his opposite number, JJS rounded him with ease to place the ball over the line, unconverted, 5 - 0
then the rain and hale started and Keynsham played the slope as it should be played, this resulted in the remaining 30 minutes being played in the Nailsea 22 and having to defend Keynshams powerful malling and forward orientated play. One moment in particular stood out when Second Row Andy Martin and Scrum Half Dan Goodman made a superb tackle over the line and held up a Keynsham player that could have made this game tighter than it should have been, Defence is probably the most consistent part of this teams season so far and this shows in the league table, although there is the occasional missed or high tackle, Nailsea always seemed to have a second and third wave of defence always in place to make cover tackles when needed and this makes us a very difficult side to score tries against. Keynsham did reply with a Penalty for their efforts but going into half time 5 - 3 down was probably less than they deserved.
The second half became a more 10 man orientated game, Kenysham managed to keep the Nailsea midfield under pressure and getting the ball wide proved difficult for Nailsea, with the Nailsea 12 standing a little flat, he did not give himself or his outside centre the time to spread the ball, mixed with runners also being flat and trying to take the ball stood still meant that contact generally was at or inside the 13 channel. This then slowed the game down and whilst on occasions Paul Stephens and Scott Goodall did manage to kick good field position , Nailsea never really managed to click it all together and realise at the time that if they had focussed on getting a little more depth and started running into space they could have broken this strong opposition down.
Fortunately for the spectators, players and the whole rugby world community, something astonishing happened half way through the second half that you will probably have to read a few times to believe. I would never question the abilities of a fellow team mate, especially not a forward, I did not however, think I would ever write a sentence like I am just about to!!
From a loose ball PROP and captain Mark Hooper set off with a facial expression that indicated he was....yes wait for it.....sprinting, as he topped out at 2.4mph he must have breathed in as he appeared to go light on his feet and....wait for it.....sidestep 2 players, pin his cauliflowers back and head for the corner, another back type shimmy and he was off loading over the shoulder (I know it sounds like a joke but it really did happen) to Pidge who was in support and benefiting more from the slope as he blistered in support at 2.9mph, this presented a dilemma as he was now faced with a softie back between him and the try line line, Time then stood still (or he was just really running that slow) for the coach, the fans, and his team-mates, what was he going to do ?? back and try line in front of him, a supporting player and nothing else to the right of him.... this would be a personal battle between white line fever or a left handed pass, Pigeon Kemp puffed up his multicoloured chest set himself to sit the full back down and then to everyone's surprise PASSED the ball, this was now two front five forwards that had touched the ball without error and would you believe it, Second Row Andy Martin who was also pushing his legs to the limit at 3mph, caught the ball and went in over the line. As this is the only time I have seen such a freakish event from three front 5 players and with jokes to one side it was a privilege to witness such a momentous occasion and I vote that try as the best of the season so far. Conversion missed score - 10 - 3.
Keynsham would not let Nailsea take this game away from them and battled well, their backs picking good lines and their number 8 and 10 standing out for them as influential players. They subsequently walked away with three points from a penalty leaving them within a converted try to share the points with 10 minutes remaining. Nailsea dealt with this well and bar a couple of occasions, one where Centre Scott Goodall nearly gifted them a try under the posts after failing to kick for position and trying some risky moves in his own half, the other he duly made up for with a good cover tackle soon after where he caught a Kensham player who was clean through and heading for the line.
This game ended 13 - 6 and I think although the rugby wasn't perfect, the coach and captain were more than pleased with how this team, for the first time this season, really dogged out a victory, they defended resiliently and got the win they needed, Mark Hawkes had nothing but praise to the shivering, muddy, wet and cold team that had got him the two points to keep his side top of the table.
Team - Hooper (capt), Kirk, Lee, Ogbourne, Martin, Palmer, Kemp, Seidle, Goodman, Stephens, Davey, Goodall, Morris, Watkins (matt). Reps - Reakes, Mansfield, Watkins (Mick)
Tries: Martin, Watkins
Conv:
Pens
A break from action next week but can I urge every player from the club, all teams, your mates, wife's, girlfriends, children, aunts uncles etc to get down the club THIS SUNDAY 11AM KO to support our U17's in the combination cup final against Clevedon, This is a big game for the lads, not too mention the fact that NBRFC is hosting and competing in a cup final at West End Park, I have been privileged to play in some important games at Nailsea in front of a packed sideline cheering us on and I know how much that lifts the team, I am sure Clevedon will come down well supported and our lads not only deserve the support from all of us as a club but it can make a difference to a player and I hope to see as many people down supporting as possible, Good Luck Geoff, Tony Hill, Captain Shaun Marks and all of the players, coaches and associates of their team, were all routing for you and will be there to cheer you on.
Nailsea 1st XV return to action on the 15th December in another crucial fixture to end 2007 away against Old Culverhasians who we had a tough battle with just two weeks ago. A win would ensure Nailsea remain 2 points clear (if Burnham win there game in hand against Martock), with Burnham losing out to North Petherton this week it now puts pressure on everyone else to win and more pressure on us to perform every week if we are to remain in top spot for the remainder of the season.
Some of you will know that the game against Keynsham marked the halfway stage of the season and you can read below Coach Mark Hawkes and Captain mark Hoopers thoughts on how they feel the first half has gone and what they expect and hope for the second half of the season. I have also attached excel spreadsheet for your perusal of some of the stats. you will find the file at the bottom of the page.
COACH HAWKES - "The season so far"
The club has been like a breath of fresh air generally as everyone appears to be 100% behind what is happening. The facilities are excellent. I think, second to none locally. The lights are a fantastic step forward. There seems to be a willingness from everyone involved in the club to help out from top to bottom. This really is a positive step for the future of Nailsea and Backwell rugby. I look forward to coming to the club each time and trying to make things happen. I enjoy my coaching here. I want to get the best team on the field each week to play. I personally don?t think I have selected my strongest side yet. Nor have I seen the rugby I want to see for eighty minutes yet. The players coming through from the youth section is a massive boost for me and should be for all at the club. These guys really need to know that the club want them and that they are 100% behind them in their rugby. My own feeling is we should really work hard now to develop these players for next season and encourage all these guys to play the very best rugby they can. I have already said to this current group of first team players we are not training and learning for now we are getting things right to play Somerset Premier rugby and beyond. That mentality and the facilities should encourage that attitude and more players to come and play for Nailsea and Backwell. The whole process is work in progress and I look forward to the rest of the season whatever it brings with a passion.
CAPTAIN HOOPER - "The season so far"
The start of a season always brings new challenges, be it for ourselves, the teams or the club. This year?s challenge for me was to captain a team to a perfect season, no easy task and unfortunately I've failed already. That's not to say that I'm disappointed, the season so far has been excellent. We've only had 1 lose in the league and a couple of early exits out of the cups. The highlights for me so far this season is by far our youth players coming through and maturing, us older heads who have been around for a while know what to expect from each team but for these younger guys its an unknown entity. They have not taken a step back and have always played with plenty of spirit.
The new lights have been a god send and have helped us out immensely, unfortunately some players have found a new excuse not to train now that the lighting problem has been sorted. Here's an idea, put your hand down your pants and check you've got a set!! We've had a great start to the season but now is not the time to rest on our laurels.
As for our new coach, he's brought some new ideas to the club and has got us playing towards a new style of rugby which is working. You can tell he's 100% committed to the season and demands nothing less from the players. I haven't always seen eye to eye with him and I'm sure that wont change for the second half of the season!!, but we both still expect to win the league.
Keep plugging away, train hard and the rewards will come.
Hoops.
COACH HAWKES - "The season so far"
The club has been like a breath of fresh air generally as everyone appears to be 100% behind what is happening. The facilities are excellent. I think, second to none locally. The lights are a fantastic step forward. There seems to be a willingness from everyone involved in the club to help out from top to bottom. This really is a positive step for the future of Nailsea and Backwell rugby. I look forward to coming to the club each time and trying to make things happen. I enjoy my coaching here. I want to get the best team on the field each week to play. I personally don?t think I have selected my strongest side yet. Nor have I seen the rugby I want to see for eighty minutes yet. The players coming through from the youth section is a massive boost for me and should be for all at the club. These guys really need to know that the club want them and that they are 100% behind them in their rugby. My own feeling is we should really work hard now to develop these players for next season and encourage all these guys to play the very best rugby they can. I have already said to this current group of first team players we are not training and learning for now we are getting things right to play Somerset Premier rugby and beyond. That mentality and the facilities should encourage that attitude and more players to come and play for Nailsea and Backwell. The whole process is work in progress and I look forward to the rest of the season whatever it brings with a passion.
CAPTAIN HOOPER - "The season so far"
The start of a season always brings new challenges, be it for ourselves, the teams or the club. This year?s challenge for me was to captain a team to a perfect season, no easy task and unfortunately I've failed already. That's not to say that I'm disappointed, the season so far has been excellent. We've only had 1 lose in the league and a couple of early exits out of the cups. The highlights for me so far this season is by far our youth players coming through and maturing, us older heads who have been around for a while know what to expect from each team but for these younger guys its an unknown entity. They have not taken a step back and have always played with plenty of spirit.
The new lights have been a god send and have helped us out immensely, unfortunately some players have found a new excuse not to train now that the lighting problem has been sorted. Here's an idea, put your hand down your pants and check you've got a set!! We've had a great start to the season but now is not the time to rest on our laurels.
As for our new coach, he's brought some new ideas to the club and has got us playing towards a new style of rugby which is working. You can tell he's 100% committed to the season and demands nothing less from the players. I haven't always seen eye to eye with him and I'm sure that wont change for the second half of the season!!, but we both still expect to win the league.
Keep plugging away, train hard and the rewards will come.
Hoops.
