Back row the positive in the battle of the duck pond
Combe travelled to high flying TJs to begin their new year and shake off the xmas/snow hangover.
On arrival down the A21 we were met by the hosts and the TJ punts...is there no expense spared for this cash rich club...yes ...the supporters and players were ferried by TJ white water raft men to the upper ground where play could take place some 42 miles south of the club house......the flowing river was unfortunatly the only fast thing the supporters saw today..with two decent teams playing a game of " lets make the most mistakes"..Combe came out top and their knock on count was far superior to the hosts and at least we won something here!!!
Anyway down to a brief synopsis of the game.
First half
The back line decided to pretentd it was sunny and hard and then wondered why we knocked balls on and lost everything. The team talk of keep it tight and kick deep for Charlie if things didnt go well was clearly given to a set of 15 other players
The front row wanted to be dominated and didn't have to pay for it from those special women we all watch on the interent...they got it for free from a small and inexperienced TJ row.
The back row were the dogs of the game and the man of the match Greg Smith, his trutsy steed Peter Moon, and the brilliant Reid Bradford were the difference..they seemed to be the only three along with Dave Watkins and Tom Clarke who fancied it during this appalling 40 mins...
The highlight was the punch landed on Smith by the exceptionally average TJ's 7 (who clearly was left behind by his first team )after being turned over for the 4th time by this man of the match.He even complained about the hardness of Gregs face as he shook his hand in disbelief at the non reaction...to be fair this TJ team are a hard and fair bunch and their 7 was the only one who thought he had to fight instead of play...still there is always one!
Half time
The coach decided to tell it like it was ...lots of shouty fu@ky and no "how do you think you have done?".
Second half
Front 5 woke up and won most scrums ...Marlon Rainford, Phil Rogers ( if he trained would be knocking on the 1s door) and Ross Denton did a number and bossed ..Watkins...still smarting from not being there at home showed he is ready,Clarke is a back row who does the grunt...not enough credit goes to this boy...and then again the back row of Moon ,Greg and Reidy...just the mungrels all 3 should pat themselves on the back and will all be in the mix next week for selection for the 1s.
The backs still stalled and the kicking from hand was bad....
Neil Brown already on as 15 for the injured Christian Weald...did well and showed he is no fly by night character...excelennt kick ahead for Charlie which lead to a try for the Dinner man,
Russell Tumath was great in the D and he needs to build on this excellent performance to start working on his position and decision making.
The Maynard boys returned and played out of position...to their credit solidierd on in adverse circs
Charlie was always dangerous...that unfortunatly...was tempered by the phrase "when he got the ball" or had a kick chase...which was three times.
Lots to work on and too many players not switching on and getting the right mind set..loads of great individual performances which will be discussed in selection..but not much team...which is the coaches problem...
Credit to the TJs and we would love another game against this good set of hard boys...it is good for both sides to get a really tough no quarter given game and we will welcome them with open arms to Combe ...but Smith the Mungrel gets the credit...well done mate
SW