Rounds to Date

The u14 boys did themselves and us proud with a well deserved win defeating Rockingham Jesters today in a 4 try to nil whitewash. All converted by Rob including a glorious kick from near the 10m line to give a final score of 28-0 after several weeks of steady improvement and growing signs of the skills and will to win. In particular the boys' play at the breakdown has come forward in leaps and bounds to the point where they confidently contest for opposition ball and show some much-needed desparation to retain their own ball and to make distance over the advantage line. Well done, to the boys, supporters and coaches, and well played.

The past few weeks have involved intensive work on the breakdown, rucks and mauls for the forwards and specialised work - many thanks for Buddha and Mitch alongside Tony - for the backs. We had a bye followed by an unworthy loss to Palmyra last week when cooperative team work would have won the day. However the disappointing play and dropped passes was eclipsed by some physical and even brutal interplay from a couple of the opposition directed specifically to one of our bigger and stronger players. To his credit, the lad held up well and kept his frustration in check to stop from lashing out at the aggressor in spit of heavy bruising and cuts to his back, chest and arms. Stays on the field and its over; Palmyra are our friends and we are borrowing some of their surplus players to make up our numbers. Hearty thanks to Paul, their coach, and the club!

At training the u14s have become more focussed largely because the leaders have encouraged and coerced their team mates to pull their heads in and to work hard at training. Recognising that training for one and a quarter hours, once a week is not much however a solid effort, paying attention to their coaches, positively supporting each other physically and mentally in their preparation is paying dividends. Rucks, for example, often start off scrappy without adequate player support until the group switches on. Similarly, the backs may lack commitment onto the ball in attack and readiness to leap forward in defence. After several passages of skill play using a variety of configurations the team steps up and delivers, driving in support and repositioning for multiple phases of play. Still need a lot more work in the restarts for scrums and lineouts; tough getting a full set of forwards at training or even a regular tight-five to the match.

It was most gratifying to see the same kinds of positive behaviour reflected on the field. Good physical support in rucks and mauls. Great mental support, positive play, communication and encouragment. From potential winners to knowing how it feels to win.