Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday, 17 April 2015 02:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
yet to master the art of being omnipresent. It’s not only the Bradby that is a traditional game.
The Petes opted for a fast and expansive game on the day and whilst the score line may indicate a degree of annihilation it cannot be totally considered as so. Unlike in the past there appears to be a definite structure to their play. Whilst the Petes chalked up seven touch downs, Wesley managed four and in there lies the story of the Peterites defence which needs to be looked at seriously. In attack they used the width of the field with great aplomb and eventually out ran the Wesley defence.
Wesley gave ‘as good as they got’ and with a bit of luck could have narrowed the margin of defeat. The Petes defence requires some tweaking and the coaching staff would do well to drill into the youngsters the importance of finding touch when defending their line and on a penalty advantage. Time and again we have seen youngsters in the schools circuit being greedy and attempting to get distance and in the bargain just handing the ball over to the opposition on a platter. Incidentally, last week’s Super Rugby games had the more experienced kickers being guilty of the same crime.
The Petes three quarters ran well and straight and the ploy of their skipper joining in the move became extremely predictable after the first couple of moves. The ability of the blind side winger to take up the cover defence role was woefully inadequate on the day and Wesley capitalised on the same.
With the new laws that have been in place, with regard to the hooker actually having to strike the ball a number of international teams have opted for a concerted shove against the opposition. For this to be effective, all players must be bound and be pushing cohesively, as opposed to some members of the third row who appear to be glamour boys, and just lending a shoulder.
Both teams were guilty of the offence and I thought that they should have been penalised for not binding correctly as well as for pushing at an angle. With the amount of fast open rugby on display by both teas, maybe referee Cader used the set pieces to get his breath back in the hot and humid conditions and hence these misdemeanours went unnoticed.
Wesley possesses a rather robust set of forwards and a dependable incisive running three quarter line. The forwards were quick to get to the break down point and forced many a turnover ball as the Petes spilt the ball on contact and allowed Wesley players to compete for the ball staying on their feet.
It was a good game of rugby and Wesley should be congratulated for their attitude, although they just did not do enough to warrant the Zam Zam Zaki war cry. The Petes used the game to rotate all of those on the bench and whilst in theory it is a great move, the quality of the bench strength left much to be desired.
(The writer can be reached via [email protected].)
