This defeat relegates us to third in the league and mathematically out of the Title Race. Oh dear! Once again we showed that we are not the sum of our parts, we have some good individual talent but as a team we really struggled. After the first ten minutes you would have been forgiven for [...]
This defeat relegates us to third in the league and mathematically out of the Title Race. Oh dear! Once again we showed that we are not the sum of our parts, we have some good individual talent but as a team we really struggled.
After the first ten minutes you would have been forgiven for thinking the final score line would definitely be in our favour. Henry made a great break, Pup almost got clear but lost the ball in contact and Bobby slipped up off the back of an attacking 5 meter scrum. Our only reward was a Pup penalty.
We actually put together some of the stuff we had worked on in training and didn’t over commit to the rucks and had pods running off the half backs. Our lineout spluttered but our scrum was fantastic, what we really lacked was that final pass and an ability to release our speedy backs in space.
Midway through the half Gades got some territory but we managed to clear our lines, no thanks to Henry. Henry doesn’t often appear on the BM’s radar so I was particularly pleased to witness his pathetic kick. He at least turned to his teammates and immediately said “I’ll bring my case to training”.
Correct.
Tank made a battling forty yard diagonal run but not for the first time an opportunity went begging with a botched pass, it was frustrating but we were still on top in terms of territory and possession. As we entered the last 10 minutes of the half a poor clearance kick was gathered by the Gades scrum half, Healy. He evaded our one chaser and then set off into open territory, he linked with his support and we found ourselves out flanked down our left wing and their centre and Captain cantered in for a pretty soft try.
Renegades then gathered some momentum and forced us into defense with some strong running from Jack’s Rookie. In fact Jack’s Rookie was probably Man of the Match and a constant thorn in our side.
Playing at inside centre he is a big unit who is also capable of offloading in the tackle and twice in the half we got lucky when his centre partner dropped his pass with the line at his mercy. The half ended with a Pup penalty and we went in at the break 6-5 up.
Andre came onto the wing and made an instant break up field, he found Jack who was then in a straight sprint for the corner with a Renegade Prop Forward. You know by the final score line who won the race.
Jack your case on Thursday please, the prop is deceptively fast and may even have had an angle on you but if there was any doubt that you would get caught you should have put a move on him to halt his progress……and besides I enjoy fining you.
We continued to press forward but a stray (cheating) boot stopped a free kick move after Dunlop had set it up. The ref apologized for missing it but that didn’t stop the frustration as we started to give away penalties, firstly Nails, rightly so for stamping then T and then Church who can both feel a bit hard done to. Anyway the resulting 80 yard loss of territory ended with a lost lineout that was spun to Jack’s Rookie who ran through weak midfield defense to set up an easy run in for his centre partner. 12-5 down. Hendo, the Gades fly half, slotted a drop goal and with Jack’s Rookie finding a lot of holes the Gades suddenly started to stretch out a lead that we didn’t really look like clawing back.
Tank provided a rare second half highlight with a nice chip followed by a thunderous tackle but other than that the rugby was being played by the opposition and not us. Healy nicely gathered his own grubber and scored under the posts and then with a few minutes left their backrower scored out wide.
Our humiliation was not quite complete. Gades had thankfully finished scoring on us but that didn’t stop us from making life harder on ourselves. The final few minutes saw a flurry of substitutions and in the confusion Donal and Dunlop went off and Adam came on. Hopeful that we are that Adam will be good, I don’t think he is yet up to being as good as both of them put together. As our Captain and Vice took their seats on the bench next to each other in a depressed state the other 14 on the park played on. It was only when a scrum was awarded that the bright pair of Bobby and Nails realized we were
missing someone. We informed the bench who immediately substituted Devrae for Jahbari. A bit more scratching of heads went on before we came to the conclusion that we were still missing someone!
Donal eventually figured out that he had not been substituted at all and sheepishly rejoined the game. Boydie, you were running the bench so you are guilty but you cannot take full responsibility so you can share a case with Donal.
So a game that overall reflects our season. A great start that we never really built on followed by moments of good and really pretty bad rugby. Very disappointing considering the potential/experience in this side.
Still it’s not all over just yet. Police next followed by Mariners and then we can concentrate and go out and win the Nicol Shield which we haven’t done for a while.
All debtors please bring your beer on Thursday. The club is filling the fridge on Tuesday as we host a training session for the students of Mount St. Alison, it would be good to have numbers on Tuesday!
See you there.
BM
A draw! A bloody draw! That result suits Mariners a lot more than it suits us. We are 7 points adrift of the boys in green going into the final round of league fixtures, you get 4 points for a win plus the chance of a bonus point for scoring 4 tries so mathematically it’s [...]
A draw! A bloody draw! That result suits Mariners a lot more than it suits us. We are 7 points adrift of the boys in green going into the final round of league fixtures, you get 4 points for a win plus the chance of a bonus point for scoring 4 tries so mathematically it’s still certainly possible but in reality we are probably dependent on the Gades or Police doing us a favour and beating Mariners before we meet them in the final game of the league season…….and that of course is assuming we can beat Renegades….something we haven’t done since the opening game of the season!
A draw, a bloody draw !!!
So to the game. TRFC had the luxury of selecting an unchanged team for the first time all season…..except it wasn’t quite……Our Captain made the point of calling Dessie to inform him we were going to be fielding the same team as last week and then promptly dropped the Ginger Legend. In fairness to Dessie he realized he only started last week due to the late withdrawal of Henry but I think it’s more fun to point out that he had in fact been dropped in favour of a 26 year old playing only his second game of men’s rugby at prop.
We soon realized the gamble of playing a novice in Chris Stafford against one of the National team props wasn’t going to pay off so an early substitution saw the Ginger One on and we soon got the upper hand in the scrum. Tank stole several against the head and the pack can be pretty pleased with their efforts all game on that front.Apart from the need for the early substitution we started well and after the Forwards set a platform and with good 3rd phase ball the
TRFC faithful, massed on the elevated bank at the end of the field, were treated to a mazy run from Jack. His 40 yard run sideways was done at such pace he had his team mates diving out of the way. Just as he was running out of real estate he showed remarkable composure in drawing the last defender and passing off to Kwame McHugh who sprinted into the corner and
flamboyantly dived in for the first score of the game. Conversion was missed but it was a good start.
Mariners however are league leaders for a reason. They are accused of being a one trick pony but you have to give it to them, they are pretty good at their one trick. Their Fly Half kicks them into the opposition 22 and their well drilled forwards keep the
ball off the floor and get that driving maul going.
At times we defended it well, most notably Dessie and Church while Porter did well to get under their biggest man to stop a certain try, but at other times Mariners got their rumble on. Attractive rugby it isn’t but effective it is and from the usual half yard out one of their big boys fell over the line and scored the equalizer before the half was out.
Great catch Bobby......
5 all at half time was probably a fair reflection of the game, the weather had turned miserable and we hadn’t really managed to get the ball out to the backs where we felt we were clearly superior but there was plenty of confidence we could stretch out a lead in the second half. Dunlop made a couple of bold substitutions at the half. On came Puppy for the Little Poisonous One and new boy Robin came on for Gregor. Pup for Porter was like for like, both sulk when they don’t get the ball, both abuse referees, both can change a game with their try scoring ability.
Robin for Greg was a step into the unknown. Robin has only been here a few days but looked good in training, Greg has never looked good in training. Greg though kills people in the collision, we hadn’t even seen if Robin could tackle. On that front Robin was thankfully fine but it was a tricky situation for a new boy to be thrown into and he was at times probably guilty of trying too hard to impress as he attempted to run out of positions when he would have been better advised to hoof it.
The BM spoke to Robin after the game and the rookie was a bit disappointed with his own game but the BM isn’t concerned about that. He did nothing to cost us points. What Robin is going to get fined for is having a softer melon than Jerry’s. Yes, on Robin’s very first training session, Jerry ‘I get knocked out at the slightest contact’ Way clashed heads with him. Unbelievably Jerry walked away unscathed while Robin split his eye open. Robin, welcome to the club, please bring a case to training.
Back to the 2nd half. Mariners put pressure on early and drove deep into our 22 and in the pocket their fly half landed a drop goal. The Mariners lead lasted a mere two minutes as Pup equalized with a nicely taken penalty. 8 – 8, 35 minutes left on the clock. The remainder of the game was scrappy to say the least. The breakdowns were a mess and though better than in our mid-season slump we struggled to put phases together. Frustration at the Ref started to bubble over. Arguably the islands best ref at the moment, there is no getting away from the fact that last year’s Mariners Club President probably shouldn’t have been allocated this top of the table clash. When calls go against you it’s pretty easy to assume rightly or wrongly some bias. Bobby almost exploded but managed to keep a lid on it but Billy,much to the BM’s amusement could not help himself. As the BM has matured I have learned to enjoy such moments, as a player its annoying for a sub to cost us yards but as a drinker it just such an easy 24!
Billy. Make sure the case is cold......
Yes Bill, you know what’s coming….it’s not the first time….bring a case.
The axis of petulant evil, Porter and Greg, are lucky to escape sanction but Nails saved you by blaming Jerry as the Ref was about to penalize us for a similar offence.
It’s difficult to remember many other highlights. Kwame was outstanding all game, as well as his score he chased down kicks and made some crucial tackles, it’s one of the best games I’ve seen from our 100lb winger. Tank was awarded MVP by Dunlop for his overall contribution but we’ll see how long it takes this week before he is stripped of his title and awarded to coach’s favourite Bobby!
We now have a couple of weeks off from league action but the need to continue training is obvious. 7’s this week is up at NSC under lights on Friday night so we’ll make sure we have a cooler of green ones up there for players and spectators alike. Watching rugby with a beer in your hand….it’s so 2011!
See you at training.
BM
At last a good performance! One of the senior members spoke to the BM after the game and while he congratulated the performance he felt we shouldn’t get too carried away with one decent showing in our last five. He has a point, we shouldn’t forget how bad we were only two weeks ago but [...]
At last a good performance! One of the senior members spoke to the BM after the game and while he congratulated the performance he felt we shouldn’t get too carried away with one decent showing in our last five. He has a point, we shouldn’t forget how bad we were only two weeks ago but on the other hand there are too many easy fines for me to ignore…..so let’s drink beer!
Let’s get the easy ones out the way. Porter you are first. In trying to ‘out’ me (not in the homosexual way…..not that there is anything wrong with that……we accept everyone in this club…..Jerry?!) you insinuated that I may actually be that little twat Nails…that is quite some insult, bring a case.
The winners. And Porters blue socks....
Captain Not-so-Fantastic, you are next. Dunlop awarded quite correctly Big T with the MVP award and then retrospectively awarded Bobby (quite incorrectly) with the MVP award in the Renegade game having already assigned it previously to Church. Does the coveted MVP award mean so little to our Captain that he just randomly reassigns it? Who will pick up the pieces of shattered self-esteem? Poor Church. Dunlop a case.
Chris Stafford made his debut start in the front row and acquitted himself very well in both the tight and the loose. Well done mate, for your endeavors we will enjoy your case.
Big Will, for your outburst on the sideline directed at one of your own players you can bring a case too.
That’s 4 cases and I haven’t even mentioned Donal yet!!
I suppose I had better talk about the game. For once we started well and I honestly put it down to the good vibe at training the last couple of weeks, there was a certain confidence about us and definitely a bullishness especially from our forwards that has been sadly lacking for a while. We really took it to the Police pack, our lineouts and catch and drive clicked from the off and the Backs kicked and chased really well, constantly pinning the opposition in their own 22. It’s somewhat surprising to say but we were actually playing to a game plan and it was working!! Jack was first to score, from a great driving maul the ball went first to Bobby then Scott who spun out of a tackle to hand off the ball at close range to young Jack who piled over in heavy traffic. Conversion missed but it was a good start.
Jack on his way to try number 1
Not long after, from more good work at close quarters we were awarded a penalty near their posts. The option to pick up an easy 3 points was obvious but as Greg stepped up to kick the penalty he clearly had other ideas. With amazing accuracy Greg drilled the ball against the upright, Jack followed up and produced an equally precise helicopter collision with an unfortunate Cop, as they both fell to the ground dazed from the impact the ball ballooned up, straight into the hands of Tank who dived over for a try. It was a quite brilliant text book move straight off the training field! Well done fellas…absolutely hilarious! Greg this time missed the post he was aiming for but ended up with the conversion. 12-0 up.
Our next try actually did come off the training park, from the back of the scrum Bobby picked up and went blind, popped to Nails, who has returned even more fragile than before, who held up the ball just long enough for Jack to pick his hole and sprint to the corner. Try. 17-0.
We completely dominated the first half mainly as a result of some brutal hitting led by Big T. T singled out Police’s biggest player, Lammies, for special attention. Lammies isn’t usually a dirty player but he was clearly rattled by the phy
Nails had an outstanding performance. Bloody legend. Even if he did kick it backwards .... shh .. don't tell the Beer monitor
sicality of the hits and even managed to find some sympathy from the Ref who awarded some penalties against us ‘for tackling too hard’ maybe?!
Having been so completely on top the first 10 minutes of the second half came as a bit of a surprise. Police scored almost immediately and reminded us that they remain the sort of team that can score from anywhere. The converted score was soon followed by a penalty and all of a sudden the PoPo who had brought on their new giant in the pack and the much improved Zuill on the wing were now only 7 points adrift. If anything though we then picked up our defense. Our kicking was not quite as precise as in the first half but our outside Backs hustled well and everyone (with theexception of Nails) was putting in hits. Donal had a really good game in defense and was responsible, with a sizeable helping hand from Devrae, in putting in a momentum changing hit on the hapless Lammies, it was a ground shaker and the boys on the sideline loved it. Dev actually made some memorable cover tackles as did Bobby…there was no way we were going to lose this game.
So committed were the lads that the nicest man in Bda Rugby, Little Harry Andrews, set up the next try with a big hit on their hooker. The hit dislodged the ball and Tank for the second time was the grateful recipient of a lucky bounce as he raced away to get our bonus point 4th try and effectively end the match as a contest.
The last 10 minutes were a bit scrappy, Harry humorously threw the ball on the ground to no one and then proceeded to block everyone from getting it as the Teachers support couldn’t decide to laugh or cry at the rugby skills on show from our stand in Stand Off.
Great performance by the entire pack ........
Right at the end of the game the misfiring Police lineout once again threw straight to Aldo who must never ever have received so much ball in one game. He set off for the line but was dragged back yards short, Teachers piled in and hammered the try line for a couple of phases before Donal popped up and ran in for our final score. 31-10. A really good performance from the team but sod that! Can you believe that was Donal’s first try ever!!! Hooray the beer gods are smiling on us! Here is a first, yes Donal you will be bringing a case of beer ……..and a bottle of bubbly to training.
I’m not quite sure this was the message the TRFC old boy I mentioned at the beginning was trying to get across but I can’t help myself.
See you at training…all this will mean nothing if we fall flat next week against the League Leaders.
BM (Bubbly Monitor)
Boys, it’s getting difficult for the BM to write these reports, it’s not that I am bad loser (though I certainly don’t enjoy it) it’s just that I am not very impressed with the rugby we are playing. When the BM is making comments from the pitch the criticism is a tongue-in-cheek piss-take but when [...]
Gregor made some crunching tackles
Boys, it’s getting difficult for the BM to write these reports, it’s not that I am bad loser (though I certainly don’t enjoy it) it’s just that I am not very impressed with the rugby we are playing. When the BM is making comments from the pitch the criticism is a tongue-in-cheek piss-take but when I’m on the sidelines it’s hard not to make the criticism sound like…..well like….plain old criticism.
Literally for only 10 minutes in the entire game were we the better team, 5 minutes either side of half time. For the rest of the time we were well beaten by an average Renegade team, was I disappointed? Very much so. Was I surprised? Not exactly, attendance at training has been poor and it was obvious that the XV we put out had never played together even on the training park. We played with commitment but had no shape to our game, our first phase was ok at best and our second phase was non-existent, add to the mix that our young Backs left their hands at home and you start to get the picture.
With 35 minutes on the clock we were 14-0 down, I only remember one try for Gades which came from Puppy being robbed in a maul that also involved two more of our Backs (probably the reason it got turned over!). From the turnover the Gades ran 60 yards and executed their 7 on 2 overlap with admirable ease! We did at least finish the half well, the forwards simply kept it to themselves and made inroads but at the vital moment when a score looked likely a handling mistake was made and Gades cleared their lines.
Great catch by the Vice Captain
The 2nd half started fantastically, Puppy went blind with the kick off taking the Gades by surprise, Andre clattered the receiver, Bodyie picked up and then fed Andre who went over for the try. Despite Puppy’s poor hands he did at least remember to bring his kicking boots as he followed the difficult conversion with a difficult penalty and all of sudden we were within 4 points and Renegades had hardly touched the ball 5 mins into the half.
After that however it became a pretty scrappy affair, neither team really laid a platform to play off but Gades took their chances. Poor defense off a lineout saw their inside centre slice through to feed his winger for a score, their fly half landed a couple of drop goals and a penalty then poor defense on their part saw Bobby go over off a quick penalty but by then it was all too late for the boys in Red.
Of note were a couple of open field tackles by Henry and Donal and it was good to see the freight train that is Greg Fraser take out months of injury frustration by running over the smallest Renegade he could find on a number of occasions. Other than that there was little joy for the BM to comment on, no beer this week, we simply don’t deserve it.
BM