A MIXED BAG AGAINST A STRONG DAVENTRY
The Old Scouts had a slow start this week, but got their in the end.
Daventry arrived with one squad to face three teams from the under 10s. It turned out to be a day of examples!
Firstly the players were split into 3 mixed sides, as always a good turn out from the squad with 27 players pulling on their boots. In all three games we saw that in the first half the teams weren't quite getting it together. Some good examples of individual play but we are still looking for the illusive teamwork at times. Whilst one team played Daventry the other two played each other. Just to cheer the parents up the kids turned their shirts inside out so we have whites v shirts, a win win for the washing machine!
Whilst playing in the training matches a couple of the usual clashes resulted in some bumps, but also some great examples of sportsmanship. Each player got themselves together and got back in the game, when needed, a shake of the hand, an apology, and check they were OK before getting back into the mud. Even when the refs disagreed about a couple of plays it was all smiles and thanks at the end.
Having a big squad has its blessings, a great variety of characters and abilities, each with their own level of skill which is really promising for the future as the squad progresses and positions are selected. A challenge for the coaches is getting the right mix and trying to instil the teamwork that comes when players train together in smaller numbers. That said its a good problem to have. Something Daventry clearly benefit from. In their final game the players were still smiling and put up a good defence ending in a draw. Their coach thanked us for putting up some really strong opposition and for how they had enjoyed the morning.
This weeks players of the week showed some great skill, Sam Robinson was as light footed as ever dancing his way of the line. Luke Nicholls was just everywhere, tackle, ruck, run. Always focussed and looking for the break, two hands on the ball reading the game. Well done to you both.
This week we also had a great example of the "oneinallin" approach by the squad. The Scoutsman of the month is a new award that is picked by the parents. Nominating a player who shows that teamwork makes the dream work on and off the pitch. As the coaches focus on game play and effort in training, this allows the parents who watch from the side week in, week out to show their appreciation for those that try their best and don't give in to adversity however it appears. The first Scoutsman of the month was given to Lochlan Witney