Wimbledon get Wombled

Tring Allstars vs Wimbledon Wombles

For those who were there I hope you were entertained. I was.
Wimbledon looked a good outfit and indeed were. Their back division in particular looked dangerous whenever they got the ball and they have been scoring points in the league. I can see why. However they have not met a defense like Tring. I thought our backline...no....I know our backline did a great job, if they didn’t the score line would have reflected it. They had pace and power but we had organization and determination in defense. Well done Tring backs. Will Mitchell had a superb defensive game. The Wimbledon back row obviously picked on the 10 channel (as all back rows should) but Will was up to the challenge. He also gave the 10 little options and the lad had a hat full of tricks. The centres were strong hard runners. One of the centres, and this is up for debate, was heavier than Jack. I know I know that’s a big statement but we are awaiting stats from Wimbledon to confirm this. I thought our pack were dominant. We just need to realise this and be more confident. Our front row were dominant even against the huge New Zealand head hunter (what a nice bloke except for the attempt to take Hixxy’s head off). Grant’s skills were great. He is showing the talent we all know he has and working harder week by week. Jonny Morgan is uncompromising even when he is being nice. He is a leader on the pitch and a man to aspire to. The second row played very well and we have some great options there at the moment. Young Robbie is improving and I am loving his attitude. When he comes on he gives it everything and has not been phased at all. Great to see. Strong, hard running and great defense by Dan and Sam. Sam’s tackling was again superb with the chopping, not just for a big fellow but for any player. Rad and George were a nice asset to have and one of their guys told me all the backrows we played were brilliant and it was where we won the game. Apparently their 7 was highly rated until they played us and the guy said he looked average and ‘lost it’ as he was not used to ‘getting his own way’ at the breakdown. Wrecking ball Mr (not so) Nice, Hixxy and MOTM Smithy were just brilliant. Anyone of them could have got MOTM. Jordan was again very good. His box kicking is a great option for us and a real tool in the Tring play with every ball contested. Something we again must keep doing. Tring wings were up against a strong back three but all but once stopped their hard running which was great. Defense won the game. We need to be more clinical in attack and use the chances we create better. We can work on this. Training has been going very well (well done coaches) and players who are not there are starting to be noticed when 60 minutes is up. This is up to the individuals who want it the most. There are always positions up for grabs. Robbie at full back had a couple of nice runs with good lines and is doing a great job out of position...or is he out of position. He looks impressive to me at full back and who knows his potential. Gilo certainly has a bit of a man crush on him...nothing to do with his rugby ability and he may well be competing with Max on the pretty boy stakes. I think if he gets training and wears maybe an Alice band he could compete for the TRUFC Step End heart throb?? Great effort guys. In this league there are no easy games: http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/the-zoo-sports-shield/2017-2018/group/24265#/results
It really is going to be a case of hard work by every player for 80 minutes and who wants the win the most. We have performed well but we need to improve. You guys have so far, as a team, impressed. We have a lot to work on all season. Some on skills, some on learning, some on fitness. We can always do more. Look at the players who did not play on Saturday doing their training.....that is the difference, Mason, Jack, Harry etc all doing more off their own backs to be fitter, stronger and better. Loved that. So onward and upward and well done the Allstars.