Bakelock 31 – 0 Burton

After last week’s bitter disappointment a good performance from Bakelock was imperative to restore the player’s confidence before the upcoming cup match.

Just minutes into the match the ball was quickly shipped down the line to Musgrove who clinically finished the move. Soon after the Peachey/Musgrove combination again proved too good for the visitors as Musgrove went over again. Confidence restored!

Burton always looked dangerous threatening the Bakelock line for extended periods. Bakelock struggled to clear the ball downfield and only tenacious tackling, particularly from Winter and Dakin, kept the opposition at bay.

Bakelock finished the half the stronger, however, as Elchin made a tremendous break away powering over for a great solo try. With 2 excellent long range conversions from Orridge the half finished Bakelock 19 – 0 Burton.

Powerful ball carrying from the forwards particularly from man of the match Stevenson combined with excellent quick ball from scrum half Toft allowed the Bakelock backs to dominate. Peachey ran in a seemingly effortless try and Graham and Morley always looked dangerous on the wings .Brooks having just been held up over the line would not be denied weaving his way through to score another Bakelock try.

Again determined defence from the forwards in general and Everest in particular helped keep the opposition at bay satisfyingly denying them any points at all in the game. A fine effort with the final score Bakelock 31 – 0 Burton.

Coaching points

Substitutes should be watching the game, supporting the team and be ready to come on.

Straight running – we should be running straight and either drawing the opposition and passing or making ground and recycling the ball. The two Harrisons, Butterworth and Winter, run straight and retain possession, not always eye catching but excellent rugby. There are still too many times, however, where players run across the field cutting off the backs and running the winger out of play. More often than not possession is conceded.

Back’s offensive line – The back line is often too shallow, we should be deep and running onto the ball. A little communication and organisation is required.

Tackling– I think we can improve. Too much shirt pulling and not enough low tackles, we got away with it today but won’t against better opposition.

Aggression around the breakdown - Not enough aggression around the ruck (backs as well as forwards). We conceded possession too easily.

Holding the ball and man up – this is excellent with Joe and Lewis using this tactic several times to gain possession.

Training as usual on Wednesday – please make an effort to attend. Players will only improve if they train regularly.

Thanks