12 Jan 2008 - Old Reds 2nds 29 - Nailsea & Backwell XV 7

An excellent fixture this for N&B. A mixture of young, old, established and some who think they are established travelled up to Stockwood lane. The pitch and conditions were in great shape considering the weather. A real test of character for the youngsters and an opportunity for some to prove they have an understanding of what is required of them and that they are fit and contenders for first team places. Well the young players on show really did themselves proud even if James Tobyn only played for 20 minutes, picking up an injury he did enough to show that his potential is ready to be seen at senior rugby. Mat Taylor and Lawrence Trinick showing they have much to offer at this level also. Taylor was relentless in his tackling and support play. He now needs to get away from those areas he was getting drawn into that are the jobs of 6 & 8. He knows what they are. Trinick moved from wing to centre in the second half and showed his quality with an outstanding try. He now needs to recognise the skills to develop when dealing with this new level of physicality. All three will have gained much from the game and it should stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.

The Old Reds team contained a good blend of Youth, experience, and talent and that showed up front when it mattered. They were hard and have played a good level of rugby some of them. Good of loading in contact, when they had to take it. At set pieces they did the simple things very well.

Nailsea were a bit devoid of ideas really at set pieces. They tried to win a shoving competition. Well you have to be a little more switched on occasionally and that did go against them. The lineouts were also a bit predictable after the first three or four.

The good players learn not to make the same mistakes and adapt their game.

Those that are not going to develop do the same things. Its interesting how when players are given the opportunity to watch or be part of a non pressure fixture or feel able to say. How they come out with many things the same as the coach talks about regularly.

We have some guys that give all they can however some times it’s the same “can” every week even when told not to keep running into people. Old Reds demonstrated that they could make these decisions generally and there big guys did it with class on occasions. Overall the Reds backs moved the ball very well. Their passing was quicker and understanding of depth better. They had two very strong centres who were not tackled early enough.

As I say a good fixture with a sharp learning curve attached for some of the N&B boys. May have only been a second team but “only” wont be taken as lightly in the future.

This was an excellent opportunity for the coach to see some players in different positions and check out the capabilities of others as big games approach.

Very worthwhile and overall a real good game of rugby.

Really great to travel away with a squad of 20 very keen rugby players.

 

 

 

Team – Tobyn Farrer Morris Dowling Trinick Stephens Goodman Hooper Kirk Smith Palmer Martin Quick Taylor Ogborne – Reps Lee Seidle Mansfield Crossman Campbell (all used)

 

 

 

Try Trinick

Con Stephens