Just a few words about the performance at the weekend.

I thought it was one of our best team and in particular defensive efforts in recent memory. In the second half we were resolute and more importantly disciplined, learning and adapting from the first half. When players thought they hadn’t done themselves justice they didn’t retreat into themselves but stepped up a level demonstrating exactly the attitude we’re trying to cultivate.

East Grinstead came expecting to smash us in scrum and driving line out and our pack especially our makeshift front row should take satisfaction from their undoubted sore shoulders this today. We stood our ground and gave away very little in that area. Their pick and go plan was very laborious thanks to a green wall and when we went in fully committed they were often driven backward. When forced wide our backs were up for the task and this often resulted in turn over ball.

A few points to think about;

I was acutely aware as the second half wore on that overlooking having the kicking tee ready could have lost us the game. Thankfully the boys saved me. Bad coach!

Developing more confidence in the boys. Our lineout stopped working in the second half. Now in the boy’s defence, we make so many changes in a game that they could be doing multiple different jobs in the course of a match. This isn’t going to change because we want all the subs to play a full part. Following a hard-working defensive set executing a technical lineout isn’t easy and the guys need to feel confident in saying they’re not sure what the call is or what they need to do.

Quick tap penalties. We should look to set the tempo of the game more, we had several chances to gain extra yards simply by tapping and running forward into the nearest opposition player. Our only try came from a quick tapped penalty.

More work on our exit/kicking options and strategies for dealing with fast press teams.

Currently no match this weekend. Lewes have pulled but we’re trying to find something so stay tuned :)

Rob