Frozen Little Fingers!

Sunday saw us entertain local rivals Weston Hornets and previously unplayed newcomers Southmead.

The visitors played out an entertaining first game with Southmead running out 4-0 winners with two trys in each half. This was a little unfair to Hornets as they played with far more endeavour than the scoreline suggests and if not for a bit of luck here and there the result may have been a little closer. For Hornets it was a mixture of missed tackles on their behalf and some excellent running from Southmead, notably their smooth running No10 who I think could possibly side step you in a phone box!

And so the skies darkened overhead and the icy rain began to fall in the valley as Hornets opted to continue playing. Our instructions to the guys were “pass to ball to death” and you’ll do ok. To all intents and purposes 80% of the players subscribed to this style and things started well, with “The Tiny Tornado” eventually zipping in across the heavy ground. From the following kick off our Welsh Maestro McCauly fielded the ball and jinked through a number of tackle attempts before racing clear for a touchdown in the corner. This quick double blow seemed to knock the fight out of plucky Hornets who had now faced the freezing elements for 30 mins and I think the weather had now taken its toll. It just wasn’t to be their day and the second half saw Clevedon run in 3 more trys before the final whistle. I have to take my hat off to the Weston outfit who battled on with low numbers on an awfully cold morning. The last time we met ended slightly premature due to some ill discipline, which saw some trepidation prior to this fixture. However there was no sign of previous tensions as both sides conducted themselves with the respect and sportsmanship this game demands.

Unbelievably the weather took a further turn for the worse as Clevedon and Southmead took to the field. We had had the luxury of watching Southmead earlier that morning and took to the field with optimism and some specific instructions. We pointed out that their classy fly half would be looking to run with the ball at every opportunity and that we needed to be disciplined in defending as a line (leave no gaps or dog legs), rushing up together (cut down his time to make decisions or get up speed) and double tackle if possible. To be honest this tactic should be employed in every game and we’d been practicing it, so it was the perfect opportunity. However it was pointed out that tackling across the board from everyone would have to improve for us to be competitive. Unfortunately, the next 20 minutes felt like an age as we played some very poor lethargic rugby and thus weren’t competitive at all. I would go as far as to suggest only 50% of the team even tried to tackle. I have to admit the weather was quite bad. Fingers and toes were numb. Hair gel had failed. I could go on but we have to admit Southmead were also there and they coped with things a lot better than we did. The saying “sort the men out from the boys” was never more appropriate. I found it very interesting that in the main the usually “gobby”, disruptive and self professed cool boys were the first to buckle. As their body heat disappeared so did their image. They transformed into withered, weeping shadows of their former selves, blaming missed tackles on anyone who could hear their whimpers as they stood lifelessly in their own blameless bubbles!!! In contrast there was a real show of steel from some surprising corners. Both our wingers demand particular recognition on this front. Finn and Adam played on the wings all day without moaning once! They spent the best of an hour being starved of ball because of conditions and selfish play by others, however they still managed to tackle like demons when play did eventually come their way. Now that’s what I call a rugby player, well done boys, you were both superb. It wasn’t just these two but you need to work out for yourselves which camp you were in. And then ask which camp you’d like to be in.

Southmead eventually ran out 4-0 winners. On another day I think we would be very well matched, but we rolled over, surrendered, played as individuals and got what we deserved. The last time we didn’t score in a game was over 16 months ago. To compete you need to be a team. 7 players were up for it, the other 6 were not, and sadly it’s as simple as that. Despite this I think we can all say we learnt something which after all is why we play. Also there was one beautiful moment that I shall take with me to the grave. The smashing of an ego in one second before my very eyes as “man of the match” (Southmeads Girl Player) dump tackled Mac in full view of faithful support! Never have I cheered an opposition tackle so loudly, that young lady was seriously excellent throughout. She had more courage in one pigtail than half of our lot. Suffice to say I wish some of our boys could be as brave and tough as her!