Mustangs V Tonbridge Juddians 2nd XV – 09/09/06

Result: Win 17-3

As a team, the Mustangs have understandably yet to gel. We had a number of changes from the team that played the week before at Sheppey and despite preparations during the squad session, we played the majority of the game without any real team unity although we did manage to score a forwards try through our hooker Nick East from a set piece line out which was encouraging. However, we never really built upon this dominance and it was not until the second half that we began to show glimpses of the type of expansive rugby that we are capable of playing with some excellent ball retention and off loading which led to our second try scored in the corner by winger Nick Deissner.  Both conversions were successfully kicked from the 5 yard line by full back Michael Laurenson and a further 3 points were added to the tally following a drop goal by fly half Glen Aukett.

Generally we played a game which was symptomatic of a side yet to develop any real shape and which inevitably led to a disjointed and often frenetic game. This then contributed to a large number of handling errors which did not allow us to fully exploit the superior pace that we had out wide. Despite this we battled hard – the scrum was well coordinated and effective, the defence against a good TJs side was impressive throughout and in hot conditions and on a wide pitch our fitness held up well.

We must also not lose of the sight of the fact that this is only the first game of many and that we will develop more structure and improve as the squad develops and players have more game time. Therefore, a pleasing start to our league campaign from the perspective of a win but with much to do.

From an individual player perspective, there were a number of encouraging performances at various stages throughout the game but this week my ‘Man of the Match’ award goes to Dan Cummins for his dogged determination, commitment and focus throughout the entire 80 minutes and his solid performance in both set piece and loose play.

Squad: Thurgood, East, Fairbrace, Bacon, Cummins, Taylor, Hines, McIvor, Ferris (c), Aukett, Malejac, C. Catt, P.Catt, Deissner, Laurenson, Lee, Leggat, Howson

Andy Golding
Mustangs Coach