Patchy performance hints at whats possible

The boys turned up this week thinking that as they had finished the stronger against Ruthin last week then that automatically gave them the right to win today. Well lads life simply does not work that way – you need to come prepared to work hard every moment of every game or you simply will not get the results you want.
Derrick and the coaches and players from Liverpool Collegiate set a great example both on and off the pitch. They played direct rugby to win possession then move the ball around the backs with skill. Their no13 was the pick of the team (in his first full game!!!) but they all played for each other and thats why they won all three 3rds played.
With a few boys off either with Cheshire Dev or the lurgy we were without a few lads. Saying that we are still getting mid 20’s each week which bodes well for the future esp with 20+ at mid week training as well. We are and always will be committed to giving everyone game time irrespective of their ability, its about fun and development of skills after all.
Expecting to simply turn up and win, we shipped a try in 2mins of the first session. It was against the run of play. Having received the ball we moved the ball around and we moving into Liverpool’s 22 a quick move blind to George could have turned into a try but some good mauling from Liverpool saw them run the length of the pitch. Finding ourselves 2 tries down after 5 mins the lads decided to front up and took hold of the game. A well taken try on the right wing from Alex, we played him out wide so the lads could practice getting the ball wide (well done Adam and Sam S) and fast, which they did. 3rd ended 5:19.
6 changes saw everyone now having game time. Liverpool had a smaller squad but also rotated. Saints came out fast and scored a great team try. We were clearing out the rucks and turning over ball in mauls – it looked the team we had seen last week. The O’Dowd twins looked the business in the back row. Liverpool were not going to be taken lightly and played some good rugby. Its amazing that most of the players on the pitch were still only playing their 1st or 2nd game on a full sized ground. Michael Kelly was feeling his way into the 10 shirt and ran some good angles fed by Morty at 9, and hit hard when the Liverpool players ran at him – still only his second game and he looks a real prospect. Daniel W on the wing covered his position with dedication and with some more time and ball will become a threat in attack. Another tight 3rd with Liverpool coming back strong to just edge it 12:19.
Making sure we gave our Cheshire Dev players a rest and to get everyone on the pitch we now put out a real scratch 15 (George looked a little confused at No8 but did a good job) with almost everyone playing out of position. Liverpool took advantage of a number of mismatches and put in 4 tries to nil in the final session. The boys did play with some skill and always with dedication, in patches but against a strong Liverpool side who knew how to move the ball wide the score could have been worse if we hadn’t put in some last gasp efforts on the line.
Some people to highlights, Peter had a good game – new to the club and very keen we know he will be one of the best players as he gets more game time. Matt G worked hard at prop against a strong lad with good technique. Tom Evans ran well and directly, he gets better and better each time we see him and always gives his best – well done. Tom O tackled well and ran well with limited ball. Tom S,Floyd, Gio, Nathan worked hard in the tight and got around the pitch well...keep up the effort the plaudits will come. Finally, few boys hit a ruck or maul harder than Andy P – he works hard and covered more ground than most today...the coaches salute you all.