Sat 23 Oct 2021
A perfect autumn day for rugby, at Polson, saw two pretty decent teams both try to play good rugby with a good referee and that pretty much sums up the game.
Old Cents certainly came here to show that there's more to Gloucestershire sides than a knarly, abrasive set of forwards and on several occasions demonstrated why they are comfortably doing well in their return to SW Premier rugby. For the CABs it was a chance to reinforce home advantage and also show that they can execute the basics and build a winning scoreboard. All three key re-start areas were going well for Launceston with a new, powerful front row exerting real pressure on the visiting scrum and quality quick ball off the lineout, mixed up with leg-sapping driving mauls, and a stable kick-off receipt game enabled the home side to create plenty of opportunities and turn around 22-8 at half-time.
The first try was extremely pleasing as it showed the real benefit of attacking space and executing the basics. James Tucker drawing the defenders to him, a quick off-load to Tom Sandercock busting through the gap on a cracking line and then drawing and giving to perfection so that Ryan Westren could trot over without breaking stride. The scoreline was extended fairly quickly to 29-8 and then, we seemed to go away from the patterns/tactics that had got us to that place and try to score off every phase, rather than be patient and build an attack. Some loose off-loads and some brilliant attacking play, by Old Cents, meant that the game went into the last few minutes with the CABs desperately working to keep the Old Cents out and hold on for a five point win.
Despite the odd missed one on one tackle the defensive and discipline side of the game was very much where it has been for most of the season and also where we left off in the 2019-20 season. Eight penalties all game (three for holding on when we were in attack) & none for off-side shows a really good understanding of what is working for us when we haven't got the ball and also how hard the boys are working for each other and trusting each other to do their jobs - this will be crucial for next week's visit to Bristol and Old Redcliffians.
Ian Goldsmith - Joint Coach
