191110 U14s Mackie

Another chance to learn from a loss which was made easier by good performances all round the pitch. We completely played them off the park in the first half but then started losing some of our structure as well as Mackie playing the game and recognising they had no way through the centre of the pitch.

Lessons learned from coaches point of view also where we need to focus on getting some of our stronger forwards / tacklers helping to support the wings a little more. This has been spotted a few times in training where our back row and second row players are grouped in the centre of the pitch rather than staying in their respective cover positions in the defensive line.

Plenty to work on but nothing our lads can't fix as we have a huge amount of talent and just need to ensure we get setup right to face all opponents. Players player was Oisin who was everywhere again and also good and vocal on the pitch directing some of the plays. Coaches player was Ras who made some great pick and goes and really focussed on driving those legs through the contact also.

Quick mention also to Ryan and Johannes whom made their return against one of our toughest opponents and looked like they were both as keen as ever. Also, whilst there were some great tackles by many, I personally thought Aaron and Dylan Wood put in some super tackles as well. That being said, I think Mackie beat us in the tackles department and probably had higher percentage of strong tacklers than we did and I thought this told at the end of the match as we lost several players through injury.

Well done to all BUT, Structure and tackle practice will be on the training agenda over the coming weeks...…. :-)

PS - I have no idea what that ridiculous dance was from the Mackie lads at the end...….?? Suffice to say, we will not be making our lads do strange dances on the pitch and I believe they already know how to be much more respectful in winning and defeat...….!!