Prenton 2s 14 - 26 Mavericks

After two tough games pre-season, the Mavs were pleased to get the season underway with a solid performance against a strong Prenton second team. The afternoon started on a somber note with a minutes silence for two Prenton clubmen who sadly past away during the summer mirroring our own losses and a reminder of how the rugby family are exactly that..... a family. RIP Boys.

The final score of 26-14 was a reflection of a game that showed the benefit of strong forward play and dynamic running from a back line that was regularly interchanged to take into account some robust and illegal Prenton challenges. Despite the early onset of hostility The Mavs soon found the benefit of simple phased play with the forwards demonstrating an ability to grind down the opposition both in the scrum and in the loose. Some great running from Joe Thomas made huge dents in the Prenton line. Stocky as usual was a constant threat and between them and the rest of the eight kept the team moving in the right direction.
There was some real class on display in the backs today with Andy Smith leading in the centre and debutant Steve Ratcliffe at 10. You know that whenever Billy Alderson turns up either at full back or on the wing there’s going to be fireworks and today was no exception with a scintillating try scored from his own 22 running through the entire Prenton team to score under the posts. Billy’s defence was always out of the top draw and his kick/chase in combination with Dylan O’Dowd left the Prenton back three wondering what hit them. Dan Jenner proves sublime at outside centre bagging the opener and skipping through the Prenton defensive line. Now, don’t get me wrong, this Prenton team were no slouches. They had some great runners who could have proved really difficult to handle and on one occasion did, however the Mavs defence proved to be their match with some resilient tacking and some great turnover play particularly from Christian and Dylan. The Mavs made a consistent effort of not allowing the opposition any time on the ball, constantly harassing the ball carrier and with the impressive Billy and Dylan combo hunting down anything that moved at the back the result could have been more. A contested try this week, not for the opposition, but for The Mavs. Contested between Chris Elwell and Steve Ratcliffe either way Steve made the break got through several tackles before being supported and driven over the line by Chris who was, as ever, in perfect support of the ball carrier. Both had hands on the ball as it was dotted down and I’ll let them argue the toss between them, as I know far too well not to get in between a player and his try.
Prenton scored one well worked try and capitalised on our mistake for one but overall they have a team that is newly formed from the remnants of last season and the Academicals and they will provide a stern test for any team that comes up against them , as they did to us this week.
A final mention to the ‘backstage boys’ our very own boy band of Mike Potter, Eddie Brown and Joe Thomas all of whom played an outstanding game, especially in the heat which at times proved literal and metaphorical. A full 80 mins in the cauldron of the front row (not even the internationals can manage that) so well done to them. Nev Pickard showed his resurgence with a massive 60 mins, coming in far too early (his words, not mine) from the bench to replace Del following the high tackle and yellow carding or the Prenton 15.
So, taking into account everything that occurred during the 80 it was a tough decision for man of the match this week. With great performances for Joe Thomas (again) Christian Elwell and Dylan O’down. The debutant at 10 Steve Ratcliffe bossed the game superbly and make a big difference when he was on the pitch. However, this weeks man of the match goes to Billy Alderson who was a constant threat both in attack and defence and kept the Prenton team guessing whenever he came near.
Overall a great start to the season, but thats all it is , a start! Let’s keep the momentum going into Oxton Parkonians fixture next week let’s try and keep some consistency in or playing style and team selection. Onwards and upwards boys.

Semel a Mavericus, Semper a Mavericus

The Gaffer