Since my last post there has been lots of rugby, lots of nonsense (mainly off field) and lots of positive steps forward in rugby terms despite the results.
On our travels with Dinno we recently visited Wath Upon
Dearne. My father in law described it as the last place God made. Other less
kind commentators have described it as the arse end of creation. The snow by the roadside on the way in looked
like industrial waste which had spread across the land in some industrial
accident. The sat nav guided us to Moor
Road. Unfortunately the location was on the other side of a wall and a two lane
highway.
We arrived safely. This is in spite of having to stop and
talk to some suspicious looking locals. My advice is when seeking guidance to
rugby clubs is only stop somebody who is wearing walking gear such as Regatta, Berghaus etc.
This people will proportionately be more likely to be rugby folk and so be able
to help you.
The weather was pleasantly warm after the recent weeks.
There was a breeze but for the first time in months we were able to dispense
with the winter gear. The clubhouse though small served excellent bacon
sandwiches and had an excellent vending machine which served quality coffee and
hot chocolate.
We then trooped off onto the rugby pitch and were treated to
an excellent game of rugby. Both sides moved the ball around. Both sides had
periods where they threatened scores. The team in the first half were ahead but
there was no coherence in the forwards. At the changeover a new forward line up
came on and was more structured and effective. The forwards not only won the
game but they also determined the size of the score as most of the points were
scored by forwards. Final score Wath 20 – Dinno 36
Home v Doncaster
Another bright spring day beckoned only the force ten gale
seemed likely to affect things. The prior week had seen a clear the air meeting
of the parents and the coaching staff. Balance having been restored to the force
and having partaken of a bacon roll and a hot chocolate ( maybe I am addicted
to this delightful combination)we moved out onto the pitch.
The game did not start well. Through a combination of poor
tackling, high winds and Doncaster’s fast back line they went four tries to nil
up. Dinno then woke up and brought the score back to 22 – 17. The problem the
team had was that a team with players such as Doncaster possess you can’t allow
them that sort of lead. Despite Dinno playing well Doncaster added another try and conversion 29 – 17. Dinno
managed to get over for another try and conversion. 29 – 24.
There were positives from the performance. The team
continues to bond better. With a better judgment they might well have brought
the score back level at least with a scrum move.
The future whilst being uncertain looks bright if the team
continues to progress in this manner. Next up for the Dinno treatment is
Moortown.
Home v Moortown
When I arrived today the weather was delightfully spring like. I had dispensed with a coat altogether. But that is the kind of life I lead on the edge. I went into the clubhouse to see a stressed looking Val dealing with a parent from the opposition whose little darling did not have a gumshield. The mother seemed intent on trying every gumshield in the place and I feared for her ability to escape the clubhouse intact.
Having had my regular nourishment (bacon roll and hot chocolate) I ventured out into the 'warmth' (only a force 5 gale today). I went round to the top edge of the field and waited for the match to start. Beforehand having come up against Moortown I was relatively upbeat and confident that a win was on the cards. Unfortunately somebody had merged Moortown with Yarnbury. Moortown were not great but Yarnbury usually were. As with last week's match the opposition went 22-0 up including a 60 metre interception try. The lads then woke up and started to drag things back. The set pieces were better and by half time the score was 22-12 to Moortown.
After half time Jake came on and ran in a try - 22-17. Unfortunately 'Moortown' had worked out how to deal with him. They then ran in a number of tries. Final score 17-41.
The result does not flatter Moortown. There were positive signs in development terms. There is now just a Festival match against Scunthorpe in a couple of weeks.
During the close season I will be working on some other posts and also a team management tool.
