Stalemate in the Sun

Broad Plain joined our trip to Weston at late notice after being let down by their original prearranged fixture.

It was actually only last year we started fixtures with the Bedminster based rugby club, but they are already becoming one the games you look forward to at the start of the year. Why? Well I actually believe they are very much a mirror image of ourselves! Like us they possess a clan of headstrong enthusiastic ‘characters’ that thrive on competition and adversity, however all the effort is a struggle to harness and direct – whichever coaching team manages this difficult feat first will end up with an excellent group of players. Historically the clashes to date have fallen our way but it could be argued the results have flattered us somewhat. Yesterday’s game saw a far more even contest and really could have gone either way, however a good score draw outcome was about right on the day. To their credit Plain had just finished a game with Weston and put aside the disappointment of conceding a last minute clincher and came out all guns blazing. We matched fire with fire and an enjoyable, if not especially beautiful, contest followed. Unfortunately the pre match directions were cast aside and Clevedon followed a similar pattern to their first game, with little if any, improvement. It’s not that we played badly, we just haven’t improved since last year – and I believe we seriously need to if we hope to be competitive this year. And so ‘Rudy the cat’ pounced on a speculative ball that slipped free after some excellent pressure to grab his second of the day, the extras nonchalantly added by Mac. Not to be out done on try count the Pizza monster himself then grabbed his second, and again converted with seemingly little effort. Plain were good value and also added two converted trys to tie the afternoons play. Thanks must go out to Weston for supplying us with two players as Tom and Jackson stood shoulder to shoulder with our troops and helped the cause. Finn was Clevedons shinning light as he stepped in to help out at full back and impressed beyond expectation in defence and attack. Maccauly, fed up with watching proceedings from afar during the days first encounter asked to be thrown into the thick of it and showed great desire and thus collecting the ‘worlds greatest shortest second row’ award! Tackling was again very good and came from all quarters, although notably from the Tornado and Dan who also displayed good composure in the Number 10 jersey.

Unfortunately however the game was slightly tainted by some poor behaviour. The foundations of this great game are built on respect for your team, the opposition, officials and coaches. Some of our team are showing a disappointing lack of class in this area, which seriously saddens me. More so when this is pointed out I am greeted with a blank face and blameless attitude. I would honestly prefer a team of gentlemen that lost every game than what we have at the moment. Please don’t be confused, being a gentleman doesn’t mean you’re any less determined, tackle softer or don’t care if you play well. In fact quite the opposite, when I play the more fierce the opponent the more I tend to respect them. We need to really step this up on three fronts: Respect for the referee, surly this is a ‘no brainer’, if you act like a brat the referee will not like you – and why should he? If you argue and question him he’ll penalise you all day long. Respect for each other, there were times yesterday when we sounded like a group of shrieking girls at a One Direction concert, communication between each other on the pitch is far more important than you imagine, we need to understand nobody steps onto a rugby pitch with the intention of making a mistake, mistakes will definitely happen, nobody is perfect, get over your self-importance give the guy a slap on the back smile and tell him something positive. Respect for Coaches, we are here for our fun and yours, at least do us the courtesy of listening – you might even learn something one day! In the past I’ve allowed immaturity as an excuse for all this detailed above, but at some point you guys have to stop hiding behind that and be accountable for your actions.

So let’s loose the unacceptable attitude, improve ball retention and have an amazing year as a team.

Next week back to some much needed training when we all need to be present as there’s a lot of work to do!!!! And I may also have a welcome surprise up my sleeve………..?