Alcester v Shipston The Kings Coughton under 15 team took on a - TopicsExpress

Alcester v Shipston The Kings Coughton under 15 team took on a Shipston side ready to battle out a win through clear decisive running and good forward play today. From the start of this game Alcester were put under pressure having to defend the game in their own half. An early try from Cian Allen and then Leo Clarke took the pressure off but poor tackling and indecisive passing from the scrummages meant that pressure mounted on the Alcester backs to defend a slim advantage. At half time Alcester Rugby Club U15s were 5 points adrift with two tries to the visiting teams three. In the second half indiscipline in the Alcester ranks led to a sending off for scrum half Liam Ashford and the team were reduced to 14 for the remainder of the game. Under pressure and always having to defend in their own half meant that mistakes were inevitable and poor passing and ball handling errors gave the visiting team a distinct advantage. Alcester will need to concentrate their efforts in training on going back to basic attacking and defending, line formations and disciplined play if they are to prove that their potential as individual players can be matched by the kind of whole team performance we know they are capable of. Todays match was a reflection of a team that needs to become more keen to take the match to their opponents and commit themselves to work together toward that goal. We know that they are capable of this when they proved it on the tour in May 2014 beating a very organised Gordano team.There were some good individual performances today which showed some spirit and determination, aggressive tackling from Billy Spires-White needs to be replicated by more of the forwards and winning the ball at the breakdown is an absolute priority that can be achieved if the pack work together. Over the next two weeks I hope that in training this team which has the potential to beat the best in this league are able to organise themselves to meet that aim. Final Score Alcester 12. Shipston 27