Hard not to be an irate fan at half time but to be 28-6 down with little input from SJ, RTS & Luke suggested the scoreline wasn't reflective of the contest. Tries after a 40/20, kick out on the full, 2xintercepts & a last tackle fluke meant that we were tracking for just one of those days where the footy gods were against us. That try after the buzzer should've killed off our season & the boos were just an understandable emotional reaction to that realisation!!
I'm happy the team bandied together to fight & were finally rewarded a win with a seriously significant second half performance. Hoping the confidence now sticks & they use this as their platform to resuscitate our season.
Other random thoughts:
Yeo - such a lionhearted player who's risen way more than (daresay) anyone expected. Fast becoming a fan favourite. Hope that leg injury is minor
Moylan - stood up this game & displayed the leadership qualities that have been lacking at times. His 1-on-1 tackle against Ayshford later in the game was uncharacteristic but a reminder to him that he can tackle "effectively" if he wants to!
RCG - despite "soft" tags applied to some of our more credentialed forwards it's good to see him lift the team with his kamikaze charges. Since Matagi's exit & Akaoula languishing in reserve grade he seems the only one of our middle forwards capable of threatening a set defensive line this season. He should get better as the season progresses.
Despite wanting a team that plays with more composure & structure (in both defence & attack) upon reflection realised we'll probably never have that sort of team with the players we have after the Blake & DWZ tries yday. Both Blake (didn't pass to support) & Cartwright (kicked to corner instead of going through the hands) played the riskier option - they backed themselves & it paid off. The way we've played this year we likely butcher those, drop our heads & then go on to lose the game. I suppose it's a positive that the confidence to play what's in front of them hasn't totally eroded but hopefully they don't get too loose moving forward.
Soak up the win & take away the positives but best to remember not everything they touch turns to gold so easily! We play ok when we have to attack our way out of trouble but when we need to grind & be patient against the better teams (in less favourable conditions!) will determine if we really have turned the corner or not!
I'm happy the team bandied together to fight & were finally rewarded a win with a seriously significant second half performance. Hoping the confidence now sticks & they use this as their platform to resuscitate our season.
Other random thoughts:
Yeo - such a lionhearted player who's risen way more than (daresay) anyone expected. Fast becoming a fan favourite. Hope that leg injury is minor
Moylan - stood up this game & displayed the leadership qualities that have been lacking at times. His 1-on-1 tackle against Ayshford later in the game was uncharacteristic but a reminder to him that he can tackle "effectively" if he wants to!
RCG - despite "soft" tags applied to some of our more credentialed forwards it's good to see him lift the team with his kamikaze charges. Since Matagi's exit & Akaoula languishing in reserve grade he seems the only one of our middle forwards capable of threatening a set defensive line this season. He should get better as the season progresses.
Despite wanting a team that plays with more composure & structure (in both defence & attack) upon reflection realised we'll probably never have that sort of team with the players we have after the Blake & DWZ tries yday. Both Blake (didn't pass to support) & Cartwright (kicked to corner instead of going through the hands) played the riskier option - they backed themselves & it paid off. The way we've played this year we likely butcher those, drop our heads & then go on to lose the game. I suppose it's a positive that the confidence to play what's in front of them hasn't totally eroded but hopefully they don't get too loose moving forward.
Soak up the win & take away the positives but best to remember not everything they touch turns to gold so easily! We play ok when we have to attack our way out of trouble but when we need to grind & be patient against the better teams (in less favourable conditions!) will determine if we really have turned the corner or not!