Mustangs vs TJ’s – Sat 31st January 2009
Despite having the vast majority of the ball and territory, especially in the 1st half, the Mustangs were unable to make the most of it and eventually lost this fixture 15-7. However, it would be fair to say that the home side gifted the opposition with 10 points, due to some errors of judgement.
The opening 20 minutes saw the Mustangs spending a lot of time deep in the visitors half, however the home’s sides inability to win lineout ball cost the side dearly as great positions to attack from were wasted.
Having enjoyed very little possession and territory, as is always the way, TJ’s finally made it into the Mustangs half and kicked a penalty. This was following a high ball which was allowed to bounce by the home team, TJ’s swarmed through and caused the home team to concede a penalty.
However the Mustangs again continued to press deep into TJ’s half of the pitch, but again couldn’t stay composed enough to score, often being turned over or being penalised for holding on. Again the Mustangs were their own worst enemies, as they took a quick line out which went horribly wrong, with the ball rolling along the floor. Maidstone dived on the loose ball to gain possession, but with only a couple of home players nearby, TJ’s were able to win the ruck, move the ball quickly and score a converted try. So heading into half time, the Mustangs were down 10-0, and were mainly responsible themselves for conceding points, as TJ’s had not created anything of note all game.
The 2nd half followed a similar pattern to the first, with the Mustangs spending the majority of the time in the TJ’s half. Having worked their way into Mustangs territory finally, Tj’s gave away a penalty and vented their frustrations toward the ref and were marched back twice, giving the Mustangs momentum. As the Mustangs upped the tempo, TJ’s continued to be penalised and eventually the Mustangs crossed the line following a series of pick and go’s and good off-loading of the ball. Ben Rookledge scored the try which Dave Charlton converted.
This should have been the catalyst for the Mustangs fightback, however it wasn’t to be. The Mustangs went to sleep at a ruck inside their 22, TJ’s turned the ball over and moved it quickly to score for the 2nd time. The conversion went wide, but the Mustangs now trailed 15-7. The familiar pattern of Mustangs territory and possession continued, but all good work was undone by people going on their own, getting turned over or penalised for holding on, combined with some decisions by the ref which didn’t go the team’s way.
However, at the end of the day TJ’s, who may not have created much all game, took the few chances to score that came their way, something the Mustangs failed badly to do.
Man of the Match- Jack Lamb, for a great display at 7. Other strong performances came from Dave Charlton and Gav Dyke.
Div of the Day – Duncan McClintock, for the poor attempt at a quick lineout to himself that resulted in a turnover and try for TJ’s.
Team:-
Gray, Walker, Maytum, Wallis, Simpson, Rookledge, Lamb, Vrey, Ferris, Charlton, Cairns, Laurenson, Parbutt, Dyke, McClintock, Coles, Castle, Harvey
Coach – G Whitehead
Physio – Anna Rooke
Manager – L Waters
Team Details:
