Great Expectations

Unfortunately yesterday was a classic case of being victims of our own success. Seven days previous we dished out an outstanding defensive performance against our “plus size” opponents. Therefore the expectant parents and supporters turned out in their droves eagerly anticipating more of same. However sometimes it just doesn’t go for you, be it in life, school, work or even something as important as a rugby match! This week it became apparent just how much we played above ourselves the week before and sadly we cowered back to normal this week. “Normal” being - we allow a small handful of players to do the lion’s share of the tackling especially if the man in case is slightly fuller, taller, faster and scarier than the rest!!!!

The pre/in match instruction was to the point, reinforced at every opportunity and constructed of three major wish list targets. 1. Put pressure on the ball carrier in defence. 2. Let the ball do the work in attack. 3. Get low at the breakdown and drive over in numbers. We offered very little intensity or pressure in defence. We rarely gave the easy pass that was begging to be made, instead trying to bulldoze through or take the selfish long way round. Fortunately 1 out of 3 is better than nothing and the decisions at the breakdown were much improved with us rucking and counter rucking to good effect on a number of occasions. Other plus points were J-Lo’s first try of the campaign, mesmerising them with his “snake hips” as he brushed aside no less than 4 attempts to tackle him on route, thus gaining “hero of the day” for this and his improving tackling. Rudy “the cat” as he pounced from distance to secure his second try of the day as a ball spilled from a defensive lineout. The “tiny tornado” who also notched but totally eclipsed this by stopping countless incursions with his relentless defence. Mr Franklin was rewarded MOTM as being one of the few that carried on where they left off last week with some barnstorming runs. It certainly is a site to behold when he is in full flow, of which I can only liken to a genetically modified praying mantis that has broken out of the lab – all elbows and Knees, ungainly perhaps but so hard to tackle and very effective!!!!! Another solid all round performance from reliable Ricardo. And a somewhat unusual but equally engaging “end of game” celebration dance/show from Tommy Lee! There were other glimpses of greatness from a variety of players but as previously mentioned this was somewhat shadowed by some very, very, poor tackling attempts which resulted in us relinquishing the lead on no less than 3 occasions to our grateful visitors.

I genuinely take all the bad points outlined above with a pinch of salt, it’s only a game, we had fun and we will get there one day. What I can’t abide and it is a real problem with me I’m afraid, is a lack of respect and class by moaning at referees, coaches and parents. Do not question decisions with a whiney voice and a sour baby face – it will never, ever, ever get you what you want and it makes those around you act in the same unacceptable manner. At one point I seriously nearly walked away yesterday, that’s how bad it was. I applaud commitment and passion but downright rudeness is not welcome. Admittedly it’s not everyone but it’s enough to take away the enjoyment for me. I am over the moon that Philippe Saint-Andre has set a precedent by dropping his captain Louis Picamoles for showing disrespect to an official by sarcastically clapping him after a decision. Admittedly the decision was actually a poor one but the French coach has backed it up by saying “This kind of behaviour has no place in our sport” and in doing so has sent out an amazing message not only to his team but I think the whole rugby community that the manner in which we play the game far outweighs the result. Philippe is now officially my favourite French man! Back to us - When coaches are talking they are passing information to you in a short time period, we are actually trying to help, please do us the courtesy of at least pretending to listen. We are all there to enjoy ourselves but a tiny bit of disruption really can spoil everything. If you want to try a different position or have something to talk about on a personal basis, good or bad, please don’t hesitate to talk to me before the game, after the game, in the bar, on the phone in the week, NOT during a team talk or in the actual the game! I could talk rugby all day and love all opinions and versions but it’s got to be at the right time. Lastly and perhaps most importantly, instead of complaining, become accountable – what could YOU have done? If we passed the ball as well as we passed the buck I’d be on the phone to Lancaster with whole new backline!!!!!

And so come the end, we all trudged home from Swiss Valley feeling slightly deflated and little short changed. But it should be remembered that whilst Nailsea & Backwell didn’t exude the physical prowess of Cleve they are a quality outfit nonetheless, and with remarkably similar results to ourselves. So with respect, a draw against these chaps should very much be looked upon as an achievement rather than a disappointment. It’s not always possible to deliver to your maximum potential on every occasion, millionaire premiership footballers do it week in week out – I should know I support Spurs. How many times have you seen them blaze a free kick into row Z, miss the target from 6 feet, or fail to deliver a decent corner they’ve only had all week to practise!!! Even elite rugby players make the occasional mistake, so why should we expect perfection of our 10 year olds? Sometimes it clicks and sometimes it doesn’t - c'est la vie mon ami.

Sorry if all that was a bit heavy, I get a bit carried away sometimes! This week we have a fantastic but tough away fixture at Chew Valley, bring your “A” game, leave the attitude behind and become……Accountable.