A wee nippy wind from the sea and the grey skies might have made the start of the Grammar Tournament slow and boring and that is how it looked as the start of the squad's first game. However they quickly realised if the carried out the simple messages from the coaches they could get onto a winning start. The rugby being displayed got better and faster under pressure and the squad walked away with a 7 :3 win over the Wanderers.
A quick debrief and reminder of the simple messages of pressure in defence, attack at speed and kick and chase and the squad were ready for the second pool game against Grammar.
Right from the off the squad were showing great rugby skills individually and as a team. Plenty of attack at speed, support play and quick hands resulted in a 11: 2 win.
Again a debrief, some time to decompress and get ready for their third and final pool game against Garoich. This match was more evenly contested however some good pressure in defence saw the squad gain a 5 : 2 win making them outright winners of their pool.
A quick debrief and the squad were given plenty of time to recharge with food for energy and water to drink to be able to think clearly for their semi final game against Deeside.
Right from the first whistle Deeside were clearly up for the contest and kept the squad's attack at bay by defended their own lines with much passion making it difficult for the squad to contest the possession. They were also able to pass or offload the rugby ball faster allowing them to get over the squad's try line. The squad faced their first defeat of the tournament which prevented them from progressing any further in the knock stages.
Many comments were made how well the squad worked individually and as squad creating opportunities for all from all over the pitch during the pool games. The squad carried out the simple messages to their best abilities and offered some entertaining rugby for all to see and thoroughly deserved their place in the semi final.
Thanks must go to our hosts for organising the event which allowed the squad to show off the skills they have developed over the season thus far.
Finally, thanks also goes out to family and friends who got the players to the event and who were pitch side to cheer on the squad as they certainly were the 11th player on the pitch.
RugbyTASTIC Peeps!
Andy and Scott