1 losing bonus point is no consolation

26th October 2013
Midlands 2 East North

Melton Mowbray 22 Casuals 18

What should have been a straightforward win for Casuals, was thrown away through poor tactical decision making.

What should have been a straightforward win for Casuals, was thrown away through poor tactical decision making, ending up in another frustrating afternoon for players and spectators alike.
The game was a stop start affair, with the referee determined to punish anyone going to ground, particularly in tackles.
Had he been as strict in areas that mattered, it might have at least given the game a chance to develop into some sort of spectacle.

Melton went ahead in the 8th minute when their No 8 broke through, and from a resulting scrum their forwards drove over for a converted try.
Mark Higgins closed the gap with penalties in the 12th and 18th minutes.

Casuals had players in certain positions, shown by an early Brodie Howatson try that they could run in several scores if given a decent supply of ball.
Hanging onto a pass around his head, he managed to twist and turn to set off on a run outside the defence, and no-one could get near him as he scorched towards the line.
After that the forwards gained a lot of good possession, but it simply did not get out to the centres and wings for them to show what they can do.
What they did display was a capacity for tackling, which in the end was not enough.
However they were unable to prevent another forwards drive from Melton, and they went over for another try.
Melton managed to extend their lead, when a speculative drop kick wobbled its way over the crossbar.
When it’s not going for you!!!.

With 5 minutes to go, Joe Barton put in one of his runs, which put Casuals up to Melton’s line, and scrum half Sean Roberts scrambled his way over.
Melton were awarded a penalty try in the last few seconds, which was converted, and Casuals slumped to yet another defeat, the only consolation was a losing bonus point, which was scant reward for the efforts put in by the majority of the players.

The travelling spectators decided that no. 9, Sean Roberts, deserved man of the match for his gritty performance. How refreshing to see a ball spun out quickly and accurately to give Casuals room to move.

No matter how weird and wonderful the whistler was,(and I would hate to write an advisor's report after that), Casuals should not have needed his help.

Certainly no way to say farewell to Dave Cobain in his last game for Casuals.
Sorry to see you go, but such is life (or is it wife)
Good luck, and thanks for your efforts.

A very disappointing outcome, for both Casuals players and supporters, and maybe it is time for some self examination, pronto!

Casuals are holding an open evening on Tuesday the 7th November from 7pm, and they would invitee any prospective players, who want to get involved at any level to come to the clubhouse on Canalside