Depleted in Numbers but not in Effort!

With Russ away skiing, a report from me (Mark) this week. I have not mastered short hand and mostly definitely can’t watch game and write at the same time (multi-tasking Never!!) so the report is from memory so apologies for inaccuracies.

With the usual squad of 20+ players reduced to only 14 because of the Easter holidays, Stroud travelled to Sunny Cheltenham to face Old Pats.

With a distinct lack of regular forwards Archie stepped up manfully to the task of first playing Number 8 and then moved up to Second Row and showed exemplary effort in the close quarter work. Edgar also showed his versatility by having a spell at hooker as well as his more accustomed wing position.

Although the lack of numbers meant the lads had a tough morning physically, it obviously meant a less taxing morning mentally for Phil and me with very few replacements possible.

Old Pats played two different teams throughout the morning (A 1st Team in Game 1 and their Development team in Game 2) underlying the strength in depth they have.

Game 1

A solid take by Laurie from the kick-off resulted in some early possession for Stroud with the ball spun wide to Joe, who made good ground with an outside break. However, the ball was lost at the breakdown and Old Pats returned it with interest and only fine last ditch tackling and strong work by Harry and Orgy, holding the drive up, kept Old Pats at bay.

The next 10 minutes were a true test of Stroud’s defensive capabilities with consistent Old Pats pressure. Fine tackling by Will, Dave and Fin coupled with a powerful resolve to halt a number of Old Pats forward drives kept the score at 0-0. Both corners were attacked but work from Lewis on the left and Will and Edgar on the right, scrambled Old Pats wingers in to touch just short of the line. Finally, an opportunity for respite came in the form of a penalty for Old Pats not releasing in the tackle (more excellent breakdown work from Orgy) gave Will the chance to clear our lines. Unfortunately, the line out was not secured and Stroud were back in defensive mode. A solid tackle from Stoner resulted in an Old Pats knock on pounced upon by Will, who astutely released Joe on the outside. Although brought down, recycled ball gave Keyan the opportunity for his first drive of the morning. Another clearout and swift service from Hilly released Will. With great presence of mind Will drew 2 defenders and released Dave to burst down the outside to score.

Half Time: Old Pats A 0 Stroud 5

Second half began with more Old Pats possession and determined Stroud defence. On rare occasions Stroud gained possession, some unusually slow work at the breakdown allowed Old Pats to counter ruck and regain the ball. Persistent pressure on the Stroud line eventually led to a 2 on 1 and despite a determined last ditch effort from Lewis, Old Pats squeezed in at the corner.

From the kick off Old Pats kicked long but the ball was returned strongly by Fin making good ground. Old Pats however were able to turn over the ball at the breakdown and pushed back into our half. With Stroud continuing to struggle to regain their own line-out ball, the remainder of the half was played in Stroud territory even though a number of penalties (excellent line kicking from Will) were awarded due to Old Pats hand offs. Defence was sound but eventually a good drive down the centre released the backs for Old Pats and their winger stepped inside a number of missed tackles to score.

From the kick-off, last play was called. Stroud were unable to regain possession and the final whistle blew.

Full Time: Old Pats A 10 Stroud 5

Game 2

Starved of possession in the first game, a determined Stroud side started with yet more positional changes. Edgar stepped up to hooker with Orgy dropping back to join Archie in the Second Row and James coming on to the wing. Harry had unfortunately received a head knock in his brave defensive effort in Game 1 so took some time on the side. The most popular change was Keyan reverting to Number 8 after a game at Prop (his smile returned and a chance to play in his preferred position in front of watching big brother!)

Old Pats kicked off and another excellent take and drive by Laurie sent Stroud immediately into opposition territory. Keyan took the ball on further, but the ball was lost by more hesitation at the breakdown. (At least Jo, Phil and I have sorted the main focal point of next week’s training session!!) With Old Pats in possession a strong tackle by Dave and subsequent re-gathering of the ball allowed him to burst up the middle to score.

Another secure take at the kick- off from Will enabled Stroud to drive the ball forward. Quick ball from Hilly and distribution from Fin put Joe into space on the outside. Showing excellent pace and a terrific right foot step put Joe in for the try.

With more positivity and urgency in their game, Stroud now upped the pace and forward drives from Laurie and Archie again gave clean ball for the backs. Will took the ball up and with impeccable timing and skill released an out the back of the hand offload to Dave who crashed over in the corner.

Half Time: Old Pats B 0 Stroud 15

More possession at the start of the second half resulted in the ball spread wide right to James, who took the ball on strongly but unluckily received an injury in the tackle and had to leave the field. (Hope it’s on the mend James). More rotation saw Harry return and Edgar moving back to the wing with Orgy returning to his customary hooking role.

With Old Pats attacking, solid defending from Dave and Joe stopped them in their tracks. The “Achilles Heel” again troubled Stroud when despite Joe bravely collecting a loose ball, Stroud were rucked off the ball allowing Old Pats to drive up the middle to score.

Stroud began to compete more at the line out with Stoner taking two Old Pats throws waist high at the front and Archie, now relishing his Second Row berth taking a clean catch at the back. Clean ball meant swift transition from Hilly to the backs and Will hitting Dave on a short pass, which saw him stopped inches short.

Old Pats cleared but Stroud were soon back on the attack with excellent distribution freeing Lewis on the left wing to step and ghost past 3 tacklers to score. With play now firmly rooted in the Old Pats half a strong drive from Keyan powered him over in front of the watching Littleton following.

More quick ball from Hilly fed Keyan again, this time using the 3 man over lap as decoys sprinted through to score the final try of the morning. The Final whistle blew and handshakes were exchanged.

Full Time: Old Pats B 5 Stroud 30

OVERALL: OLD PATS 15 STROUD 35

Wrap-Up

The boys grouped together and discussed the salient points of the morning. Support and work at the breakdown were key issues to work on but also recognised was the quality handling and determination in defence the boys showed throughout the morning.

Man of Match Forwards – Orgy for excellent work around the breakdown and covering every blade of grass on the pitch. A special mention to Archie for stepping up to the forwards, competing well in all aspects of the game (He did admit he preferred Centre/Wing – point duly noted Archie!)

Man of the Match Backs – Dave for excellent tackling and powerful running. A special mention to Joe for solid work in the centre and also to Will for excellent distribution despite Old Pats pressure from their defensive line (Apologies Will, this was left out this morning).

Many thanks to all at Old Pats, coaches and players for playing the game in excellent spirit and for providing sustenance for the boys afterwards.

Thanks as ever to all players and parents who continue to provide a great team ethos and a fantastic atmosphere.
We are now looking forward to the festival at Thornbury and of course the Weymouth Tour.

Russ will return with future reports as I gather he has escaped from his skiing trip unscathed!