A lesson in support play.

We knew from the outset that Skerries were the form outfit in our league - undefeated so far and clocking up big scores against some of the traditional North East power-houses. So it was a daunting task to step into their back yard on a morning you wouldn't put a dog out in.

Nonetheless, our lads started very well. We matched them in many aspects of play in the first half - and we were able to cut down on their space - keep them contained for spell when they had the ball. However we struggled to contain their big ball carriers when they did work a bit of space got a head of steam - and while out performance in the first half was commendable - with our defense realigning well to keep them back in the middle of the park - those few missed tackles meant they broke our line a few times and went in at the break with a 3 tries to nil lead. However it was a mark of the lads bravery that the coaches still thought they could close the gap in the second half if they kept the same attitude.

The one area where Skerries were so far better than us today was in their support play. They had 2 runners on the shoulder off every ball carrier - they never got isolated - no white-line fever - and supported each-other superbly as a team. They were always looking to suck us into the middle with their big ball carriers - and create the overlaps out wide. And so it proved in the second half as we did whatever it took to stop them through the middle - only to be exposed out wide and we gave their fast lads a few easy run-ins.

At this level lads, we can expect no favours from the ref. He was harsh on us at the breakdown and the offside line given the scoreline - but we need to learn from those technical errors and improve our discipline.

Harry, Adam, Ryan, Cian B Luke & Caelan closed down their backs well in the first half of first-phase ball. Brian chased well on the wing, and Cian C made some good ground with ball in hand. Laurie, Charlie and Gavin kept busy - some good ripping James - more straight-and-hard running lads. Same for Emmet, Mint, Ross, Robbie & Matthew - who defended well when they were camped on our line. But we were too slow intro the rucks again today on our own ball - coughed up too much hard-won ball easily - and also not aware enough to react to their clever overlaps.

Ratoath's man of the match goes to Ben Bislin, who kept trying to rally those around him, and continuously stopped their biggest ball carriers in their tracks, and was a constant nuisance on the opposition ruck ball.

See you all Thursday for training.