Contrast between two games

2 different pitches, 2 different games

Despite the heavy rains and the (very) heavy conditions, we had 29 players today who travelled to Kirkby Lonsdale to play our closest neighbouring Club. Kirkby had 16 players, we split both squads in 2, trying as much as possible to match player abilities.

On my pitch, we had a very rude awakening, as KL came straight at us from the start, with their player running through our players without anyone laying a hand in him ! Sadly it was a feat that would be repeated several times before half time. Collectively, we seemed to have forgotten how to tackle and even more worryingly, also lost the will and intention to tackle At half time the players were able to identify what was going wrong and the 2nd half showed quite an improvement, but not before KL had come out on top as deserving winners.

As ever, all of our players got even game time (not easy when you have 15 players in an 8 a side game) and in game 2 they started to make better progress. Our running was more direct, we were more committed in the mini maul and our rucking showed an improvement. The tackling was also better than in game 1. KL’s extra experience and all round nouse was decisive and again they pulled ahead, but this time Kendal kept them in sight with a few tries of our own. KL were very quick on any loose balls and capitalised on any mistakes that we made, but my the end of game 2, we were starting to ask some questions of their defence as well. Once again, KL came out on top, but it was a closer game. If we had managed a third fixture, who knows ?

On David & Marks pitch, it was a similar game, but in reverse ! This time, Kendal managed to run a few tries in without response before KL came back at them. A goodly number of the Hornets really stepped up their game and the muddy conditions seemed to suit them perfectly. What was particularly pleasing was the way that players took responsibility. Some of the tackling and offloading from tackles was excellent and showed that the time taken in training and training fixtures was paying dividends. Another major improvement was players running forwards with the ball (not sideways) & dodging and weaving into space - all good stuff.

The vast majority of our players are completely new to the game and to have so many players (& parents) involved in U10 rugby on a cold, wet & windy Sunday morning, playing on pitches that were soaked through and turned into mudbaths speaks volumes for their character and enthusiasm. This fixture was a cracking experience for everyone and another great opportunity to improve their skills.

In a fortnights time, we’re playing in a 3 way fixture against Sunderland & Upper Eden which is going to be another new experience for our fledgling team.

Finally, everyone from Kendal wishes a speedy recovery to William B who broke a bone in his wrist during the fixture. Hopefully it heals quickly and you’ll be back playing again soon.

p.s congratulations to Gavin "The Beast" for your Playey Of The Week performance, as chosen by your teammmates. I hope that you enjoy having the award. Well done.