Really dissapointed by the Cutters game today, not the loss (28-26) was a to and fro game... but with the trouble in 1st grade, it was the moment for the handful of fringe players to stand up and push for positions... and there were no consistent performances.
Defence all over was just crap, hard to pick out anyone in particular because they were all flailing arms, every time one of their bigger/faster units got the ball (Likiliki & Mata’utia especially) they just went straight through the Dragons team.
Also I feel like they really need a real leader, they looked good when Soward took control early and feel away into a rable later.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
o Soward: Started out with purpose and not surprisingly looked pretty good as a 1st grade playmaker... he did run once (though you can see his brain thinking about it still), and anyway he streaked downfield when he did... but then he fell away for the rest of the game, but good kicking game as normal.
o Drinkwater: Mixed game, was a bit intimidated by Sowie early on, got better, I just wanted him to really smash it and force his way into 1st grade.. he did get to keep the goalkicking all game too and was again mixed, 1 cracker from the sideline and some other big misses.
o Cook/Garvey: Cook was good, runs straight... Garvey played his first game for the Cutters and easily fits in, hes much bigger and stronger than Cook, size wise he could play 1st grade immediately, its just his fitness and experience.. love his frame though, fast and strong *crosses fingers*
o Quinlan: Couple of sweet touches in attack but horror game in defence, I mentioned this when he was selected in 1st grade that to be a serious fullback option hes going to need plenty of time in that position... he has a heap to learn about how to close down an attacker from fullback hes just not natural at it (yet), ironically when he got the ball at a left centre position he disected the defence like a fine surgeon and put his winger away.. was beautiful to watch.
o Runciman: 2nd time ive seen him, just 'a centre' nothing good, nothing bad, doesnt look 'powerful' or 'fast' just an unkown quantity lets see him do a year for the Cutters
o Vai Vai: Started on fire, good aerial skills, speed and strength.. went a bit missing in the 2nd half but still stands out amongst a 2nd grade line-up, still a 5x better choice than Green for 1st grade though.
o Vidot: Moved around a bit, played in the 2nd row for a bit and looked good, but wasnt a long period of time so who knows stamina-wise, but great to see the coach try it.. hes a big unit and caused a lot of trouble against the smaller opposition, but wouldnt be a Vidot game without a couple of clanging errors.
o Lelei: Left Winger was convincing, some great put downs nice finishing.. like to see more of him, might be a decent replacement for BMoz if needed.
