15 Dec 2007 - Old Culverhaysians 16 - Nailsea and Backwell 12
The return of Tom Crossman to the paddock was a great Christmas present something the coach was really looking forward to. As was the test of going to Bath to play a side that played really well at West End park only three weeks ago and could of turned us over. These sort of contests should be relished. Preparation and planning would come together. Surely this is why we play rugby. We know how they play so adapt and prove you are premier league material.
Well Crossman's return was worth waiting for he was outstanding and reminded the coach of exactly what he was capable of. He can only now go forward with his undoubted ability. However that was where it stopped really. All sorts of things can be pointed at by all and sundry. However look no further than the past two weeks. With no game last weekend players decided after there close fought game against Keynsham two weeks ago at home that some would take a break as the Somerset one table toppers, they needed a break, they had worked hard to be where they were !
Oh and then some decided they would take a break last week as well or find an injury or something else to do after all it is Christmas. Hard yards missed. What would the result be.
The performance on Saturday was one of going through the motions. You must do more than just try. The leader on the day Justin Seidle did all he could his words and passion are unquestionable however he can not play for everyone. The game was always going to be close but really with the quality in the side these sort of games have to be taken.
In summary the game was littered with N & B players ill discipline at rucks and mauls. An inability to concentrate and Old C's capitalised with a good kicker who even stepped up to slot a well taken drop goal. The N & B scrum was excellent. The lineout wasn't up to its usual standard and a line out late in the game which was crucial was manned incorrectly resulting in a turn over. The line outs have been rehearsed so many times now we really should be getting them right. I suppose it comes back to those hard yards off the field. Some very good attacking ball was kicked away. Some passing in midfield and general broken play was not good enough. The ability to carry the ball forward and draw players was sadly lacking. Defensively we have been sound this season however we are not closing down the space between them and us and some are waiting for the opposition to come to them.
This team must learn to play the rugby in the opposition half. You can try and play as much rugby as you like in your own twenty two however the try line is eighty metres away. Fifty fifty balls usually result in the opposition turning over and scoring.
For the record, Nalsea's points all came from the boot of Paul Stephens.
Now there is a three week break from matches until we play Bristol Barbarians at West End. The last team to beat us in the league. We will see who is committed to their club, mates and team in this time. Guys four losses in the last six weeks ?
Ebeneezer sound's a little negative in this report you might think but he was heard to say 'Staying in this league with so much ability is what is negative'
And so it was that Santa delivered the early Christmas present to all but Nailsea and Backwell, Ho Ho Ho !
Well Crossman's return was worth waiting for he was outstanding and reminded the coach of exactly what he was capable of. He can only now go forward with his undoubted ability. However that was where it stopped really. All sorts of things can be pointed at by all and sundry. However look no further than the past two weeks. With no game last weekend players decided after there close fought game against Keynsham two weeks ago at home that some would take a break as the Somerset one table toppers, they needed a break, they had worked hard to be where they were !
Oh and then some decided they would take a break last week as well or find an injury or something else to do after all it is Christmas. Hard yards missed. What would the result be.
The performance on Saturday was one of going through the motions. You must do more than just try. The leader on the day Justin Seidle did all he could his words and passion are unquestionable however he can not play for everyone. The game was always going to be close but really with the quality in the side these sort of games have to be taken.
In summary the game was littered with N & B players ill discipline at rucks and mauls. An inability to concentrate and Old C's capitalised with a good kicker who even stepped up to slot a well taken drop goal. The N & B scrum was excellent. The lineout wasn't up to its usual standard and a line out late in the game which was crucial was manned incorrectly resulting in a turn over. The line outs have been rehearsed so many times now we really should be getting them right. I suppose it comes back to those hard yards off the field. Some very good attacking ball was kicked away. Some passing in midfield and general broken play was not good enough. The ability to carry the ball forward and draw players was sadly lacking. Defensively we have been sound this season however we are not closing down the space between them and us and some are waiting for the opposition to come to them.
This team must learn to play the rugby in the opposition half. You can try and play as much rugby as you like in your own twenty two however the try line is eighty metres away. Fifty fifty balls usually result in the opposition turning over and scoring.
For the record, Nalsea's points all came from the boot of Paul Stephens.
Now there is a three week break from matches until we play Bristol Barbarians at West End. The last team to beat us in the league. We will see who is committed to their club, mates and team in this time. Guys four losses in the last six weeks ?
Ebeneezer sound's a little negative in this report you might think but he was heard to say 'Staying in this league with so much ability is what is negative'
And so it was that Santa delivered the early Christmas present to all but Nailsea and Backwell, Ho Ho Ho !