Spartans 7 Chapin 7

Of course, half of our team taking the field against Chapin was playing their first game. And our backline was minus two very good athletes.

I concede our inexperience and lack of depth. But that’s still no excuse for sloppy play. Our forwards tossed balls into the air at the breakdown. Our backline defense played as individuals, at times, seeking the big hit or interception instead of moving up together in a cavalry line. And we had folks freelancing. Our 10 gets binned for pushing, a retaliation aginst a Chapin kid who shoved one of our boys.

We started off well. A well timed kick to space, the ball bounces inside the five meter line. A short time later, our 9 slips through the defenders and scores a try. Conversion is good.

After that we sputtered and failed to muster any cohesive office.

In short, we need to calm down. Set the ball. Ruck over the opposing team. And have good balance at the tackle point.

Despite our errors, we had a chance to win at the end of the game. But what happened in those waning seconds was illustrative of our failures. With the ball on Chapin’s five meter-line and our team pressing, we had a game plan..slow, prodding, rucking…it is indefensible if you run it correctly. We preach patience. We teach teamwork. But one of our guys picks up the ball up and tries to be the hero by doing the impossible.

He got stuffed. And our team got stuffed. The long whistle. And we lost..well a tie, really.

To be sure, this player had an overall solid game. And there were many other glaring errors. I don't mean to pick on him. But this moment really capsulates our problems. These can all be repaired with time. And it will start this week at practice…Possession drill. Bring your mouth guards and prepare for fun!