Casuals need big changes for 2014

Saturday Dec 14th 2013

Midlands 2 East

Nottingham Casuals nil Belgrave 29

This latest defeat leaves Casuals languishing at the bottom of the table, as sides around them picked up losing bonus points.

It was Casuals inability to keep possession of their own ball at set pieces, both in the scrum and lineout that gave Belgrave a seemingly comfortable victory. Again Casuals showed promise in certain phases, but their attacks were not fruitful.

They managed to put together some good moves, and were denied scores by Belgrave’s last ditch defending.

Belgrave were somewhat generously awarded a penalty try after only 10 minutes, as Casuals buckled in a scrum, but that only emphasised Belgrave's scrummaging superiority.

Belgrave were only 2 converted tries to the good at half time, it seemed only a matter of time before Casuals, turning round with a strong wind at their backs, would be able to score, but it was not to be.

Belgrave’s simple but efficient approach of putting the ball through the hands at speed was the big difference, and having men in support to maintain the momentum.

Frustratingly Casuals could only watch as Belgrave thrived on the turnover ball, and with the lineout going badly wrong for Casuals, the visitors helped themselves to a further 3 tries, the last really summing up Casuals’ current woes, as a speculative kick ahead bounced cruelly straight into Belgrave’s hands for a simple run in.

It's going to take a concerted effort from the team for the rest of the league programme.
Training has to be the priority, but players need to make themselves available, to maintain the consistency on the pitch.

Just take a look at the league below to see where you might have to travel for the away fixtures next season, if the 1sts are relegated.
Who wants to go to Grimsby in the middle of winter?