LIVERPOOL TRITONS 22 - 15 BERKSHIRE UNICORNS HADRIAN'S CUP - POOL A 7th March 2020

The Unicorns were not sure what to expect with the Liverpool Tritons since we have yet to play them in a contact game. As strong contenders in the Northern League we expected a tough match and in the end it was a very interesting pool match. The first game is always tough on both sides in getting over the nerves and into the tempo of the game but both sides came out strong. An early try by winger Darren Chester opened up an early lead for the Unicorns which had no chance of being converted by leaden footed Fly Half John Kelly, who was hoping for at least a chance from in front of the posts. After some hotly contested breakdowns the Tritons found themselves in space with an open pitch to the try line. They did not factor in the pace and fury of Winger Darren Chester but despite a heroic race to intercept and take down the man, the referee decided to call the high tackle and awarded the penalty try. The Unicorns stepped up their game and quickly used our advantage to get the ball wide allowing winger Steve Tyler to get in the corner, though it meant an impossible kick for the Fly Half which served only to amuse the referee. The Tritons came back fighting and managed to score in the dying minutes of half one to put them two points clear.

Half time score 12-10 to the Tritons.

Pressing the advantage after the restart Centre Andrew Jones broke through the line and half fielded an impressive try between the posts but again the conversion was denied (though this time it was the fault of our winger whose golden boot also seemed to be made of pyrite). This seemed to be the turning point for both the Unicorns and the Tritons, the latter of whom simply wanted the game more and through constant testing of our defence were rewarded with two further try's which sealed the victory. In the end arrogance and complacency had cost the Unicorns their first match and potentially the chance to fight out another final.

Unicorns coach and 1st XV Captain John Kelly was not impressed, not least because he imagined the kicks being executed as he always pictured them, but more so that the side had been underwhelming. He commented "Last year the Unicorns started very strongly and won decisively and I think part of that hangover as well as contesting the final made us somewhat cocky and disrespectful of the opposition. The Tritons came with the attitude of winning and that showed in their approach to the breakdowns and in the patience for waiting for their opportunities. In this game the Unicorns tried a bit too hard and seemed to be eager to take contact which is not the way to win a 10's tournament. We were rightly punished by playing that game but fundamentally we lost because we checked out when we went up. There is much to bring together in the remaining pool matches and sort out the heads as the hands are largely here already - which is a welcome improvement."

Match 2 will see us face our old friends the Brighton and Hove Sea Serpents.