Sat 25 Sep 2021
The first league win of this season came one game earlier than our previous campaign, in SW Premier, so it suggests that things are moving in the right direction with the playing squad. Even though we'd been on the wrong end of a couple of tight scorelines, we've actually been satisfied with the overall performances in all three games, including the Exeter University tryfest! The previous week, against Hornets, we pretty much executed the game plan of playing territory and using our defence line speed to keep Hornets away from our 22, we just failed to get over their tryline and opted not to take some fairly straightforward kicks at goal. This week, against Ivybridge, the strategy was for possession to be favoured over territory and use our good pre-season conditioning to eventually create spaces and opportunities. We were also, perhaps, fortunate to take Ivybridge on with a couple of their gun players not available.
As the game unfolded it those plans seemed to be working with the CABs pack producing a stream of quality lineout ball and also carrying hard to keep us on the front foot. This allowed our midfield playmakers to take full advantage and constantly ask a variety questions for the Ivybridge defence. The other aspect that became increasingly clear was that our defensive shape, connections and intensity was also nullifying the majority of Ivybridge's attack. So, it ended with a decent first 5 point haul and some really impressive rugby played in front of another extremely supportive Polson crowd - something for which we are so grateful to have. Probably, the most pleasing aspect of the whole afternoon was the reaction of the players are the final whistle; no joyous celebrations but an element of annoyance that we hadn't shut the game out at 26-10, with 6 minutes to go. For the coaching staff that is heartening to see, as it means the players know they are focusing on their performance. One thing we have always stressed is that if you get your performance spot on, then most weeks the scoreboard will take care of itself.
We hope that we can continue with that this week, at our nearest league colleagues, at Okehampton and that we end up with the first away win of the season and we'd love to do that in front of a good Cornish All Blacks travelling supporters' army and try and drown out, what is traditionally, a very hostile and patriotic Oke crowd!
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