Well what can I say, a disappointing day for the first XV, a new season, a new coaching team with some great ideas and some new faces.  That sounds optimistic and a recipe for success. Unfortunately we struggled to put into practice all the good stuff we’d worked on during pre-season training. I’m not going to dwell on the negative aspects of the game, that’s not my style the match report is there for the reading, what I will do is try to identify learning outcomes and areas that need developing.  It’s the start of a long season and there are so many positives to focus on.  It’s my privilege to be skipper this season and I’ve got to admit I’m a bit rusty and that effected my game to say the least, that won’t happen again. Player of the Week was Tony (the tiger) Wetherhead a choice supported by the opposition players well done Tony.

On that note, I’ve introduced a new award to recognise great achievements that don’t meet the criteria of ‘Player of the Week’ in fact the opposite.  The award in the form of a toilet seat appropriately inscribed had a number of nominees with me leading the running for most of the day, fortunately I was saved by Andy (Whizz) Wisden.  After emphasising that all decisions on the pitch will be mine, he lined the forwards right then attempted an ambitious kick left for the winger to chase without telling me what was going on, needless to say things didn’t go as planned resulting in a scrum to the opposition back on the centre spot.  I like players with ambition, initiative and spontaneity Whizz, just give me the heads up first.

Our opposition on Saturday admitted that they were fortunate enough to be able to field a very strong squad and that showed. I wish them well for the rest of the season and look forward to meeting them again season’s end. Meantime I’m sure Lee and Richie have analysed Saturday’s performance and have been looking at ways to work on those areas where we need to develop and strengthen our game.  I am confident we have the makings of a good 1st XV and the right things in place to support it, I’m looking forward to seeing the 2nd team in a couple of weeks. 

See you all at training.

TANK!