Starting 2014 With A Bang

This truly was a "proper" game of rugby. The result was great but for me it was the all round performance that was really fantastic, the best account of ourselves to date.

At last we managed to tackle well, recycle possession and pass all in one game!!! The offloading, from both sides to be fair, was outstanding at times and more fitting of a summers day rather than a frosty dark morning in Bristol. The style of play meant all involved got their hands on the ball and contributed in one way or another. We shouldn't however rest on our laurels and understand that the scoreline did flatter us somewhat. The opposition were definitely up to the task and a decision or two differently may have seen us run much closer. We took our chances, and took them well, and in all honesty that was the real difference on the day.

If I had to be hyper critical we possibly kicked a little too much, we left players isolated on occasion which resulted in too many turnovers and of course you can always get lower! But that is the moaning Brummy in me coming out and we shouldn’t pay him too much attention and detract from what was a real fun morning. It was also amusing to see some "friendly" banter between the guys (some fathers would be proud, some mothers would not), something that will no doubt resurface in a few months when we welcome Broad Plain to The Vale for our return fixture. Generally speaking the problem we’ve had with back chat and innocent football faces seemed much improved however I wasn’t officiating and therefore can’t say for sure. Another very pleasing aspect was that it was impossible, from the touchline, to distinguish between the new players, best tacklers and strongest runners – because everyone was doing it, the sign of a good team indeed.

Congratulations to hatrick hero, captaino, MOTM - Rudy "The Hammer" Gates. You really must pull your finger out and contribute more in the future mate!!!! Also well done to "The Tiny Tornado" and "Wam Bam Dan" who each grabbed a brace, surprisingly Dannys first notch of the season. Finally big hand to Little Mac who got the HOD award for his penetrating runs from full back. I really could mention you all as it really was a top team performance. One of the few times I can rest on a Sunday afternoon with a generous glass of red and think, "this coaching lark is ok actually"!!!

Well done chaps, next week we welcome seaside neighbours WSM when we will find out if it was all a one off!!!