Post Match Review - 21st March 2010

Millom 6 – Hawcoat Storm 11

The 8s continue to impress and improve game after game. I was only involved in the first third but what I saw was impressive to say the least. Straight, no nonsense running from everyone whose name was called. Space around the play the ball and the continuing confidence to pass the ball under pressure which I’m sure you now know is a very rare skill at 6 and 7 years old. Defensively the 8s could have taught the 10s a lesson with players staying in their “lane” and moving off the line together as a very effective unit. A special mention for L.J. here who denied attacker after attacker with some brave one on one defending of which he can be very proud. Spencer showed his versatility in both attack and defence by getting himself on the score sheet and marshalling the wide areas. Macca, Ethan and Adam demonstrated why we missed them so badly against Walney. Steph bravely carried on from an early bell-ringer to put in a great performance while Max and Morgan continue to grow and follow the examples set by Pos and William with straight hard running setting the platform for the team. A superb and well deserved win for the team, well done.

Millom 11 – Hawcoat Storm 1 absolute cracker

Physics played a small part in the result today that was largely down to our confidence with ball in hand outshining our defence yet again. Millom had the upper hand for most of the game with some big runners and excellent defence. Last week’s match report talked about individual brilliance featuring in a weak team display. I could have copied and pasted looking back on today’s game. Leaky and unorganised at best probably sums up our phases without the ball. For those parents that have never played the game it’s probably difficult to understand just how hard it is to put yourself in the path of someone bigger than you running at full tilt and then to try and wrestle them to the floor. I’ve seen at first hand each and every one of our players do this so to allow the opposition to cross our line 11 times in 40 minutes really doesn’t reflect where we are in terms of skills and confidence. It does however reflect the fact that despite repeated instructions and explanations as to the importance of moving off the line as a fundamental part of the game we still stand and watch. The way the kid’s heads go down after a try is testament to the feeling and passion they have for the game so it’s not this preventing them from getting off the line. We also run the “set and in” drill at training every week so it’s not lack of practice either. We moved off the line consistently against Roose so it’s not game day jitters. Each and every one is guilty at some point so it’s not fitness or ability. Matty, Lewis and Jonah get a mention for defensive bravery today above and beyond the call of duty and if Jacob doesn’t figure in the try of the season reckonings for the no nonsense run to the corner I’ll be surprised. Individually brilliant again, let’s do the basics in defence please and take Friday’s session to the pitch on game day. The numbers we had available probably justified the stance we took on selections as we had the bare minimum where we could have done with at least two more today. If your child is not playing could you please let me have the kit. We hope to welcome back Wazza next week.

Ulverston 8s

Ulverston don’t currently have an 8s team so I’m trying to arrange a game against Walney’s second team on Sunday at home instead.

Training / Half Term / Easter

As the kids break up for Easter on Friday we’ll be having a pie & peas night in the bar straight after training this week. This is a chance to relax and socialise with the other parents and for the kids to annoy the bar staff. To allow us to order sufficient could you please confirm attendance as soon as you can. Pie and peas will be £2 and sausage rolls for the kids £1. Sarah tells me that no helpers are required and that everyone should come and relax if they can!

No training Friday 2nd and no game Sunday 4th. However, if you’re hungry for rugby action you can see Hawcoat Park RUFC A team at home on both Easter Monday and Good Friday at 3pm when the bar will be open once again. Training resumes on April 9th (my birthday – no cards please) in preparation for the short trip to Dalton on the 11th.

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