More heartache

Saturday 22nd February 2014

Midlands 2 East N

Melbourne 24 – Nottingham Casuals 19

Casuals have their hopes dashed after holding the lead.

Casuals are still looking for another win, to pull them clear of Kesteven, but this result, after leading Melbourne for in excess of 30 minutes was difficult to stomach.
Once again Casuals were forced into numerous changes, as the game was re-arranged from an earlier date, and Casuals were sadly lacking a number of regulars, some being probably watching the England game, but this was designated a spare Saturday for postponed games. Unfortunately, Casuals have been regularly forced to endure a lack of availabilities, and some of the results are a testament to their determination.

The game was switched from Melbourne’s ground to Coalville, as apparently someone had kindly stripped out the shower heating at their makeshift changing rooms. Unfortunately the pitch was not the greatest with a lot of muddy greasy areas, which did not lend itself to flowing rugby, more to "ball up the shirt" and work the territory.

Melbourne were first to score when they won a scrum to send their speedy left wing free, and he managed to evade the defence to let Melbourne in for a converted try.

Casuals responded 10 minutes later, when Joe Barton grabbed the ball from the back of a maul and blasted his way to the line from near halfway, the defence falling away in the face of his robust run.
Mark Higgins converted with a good kick into the wind.

Barton doubled his tally when Melbourne dropped the ball from a lineout, and he was quick to pounce on the loose ball, and he again left the defence in his wake on his way to the line.
Casuals then lead for another ½ hour.

The forwards were doing a sterling job, and just like the previous week they took the game to the opposition, but with little joy, as possession was squandered at crucial times.
Unfortunately Melbourne’s forwards turned the tables on Casuals. Following yet another needless penalty, Melbourne kicked to touch close Casuals line, and then drove a maul over for unconverted try.
They scored again when Casuals lost the chase for a kick ahead, and when 2 defenders tripped over in pursuit of the ball following contact with Melbourne players, the field was left clear for Melbourne to run in a somewhat bizarre touch down.

Melbourne scored again when a slightly mazy run from a Melbourne centre took him through a massive gap in the centre, and some poor defence left him with a clear run in.

It looked as if Casuals were to be left without a reward from the game, but their resolve got them upfield, and for once the ball stuck in hand, Steve Naylor putting a slick pass back infield for temporary centre Graeme Roberts to gratefully drop over, giving Casuals a losing bonus point.

Several players had been brought in from the 2nd team, including Simon Roberts to join brother Graeme, and Joe Barton, who had been given a full game in the 2nds the previous week.
Youngster, Danny Riley, a promising back, was selected on the wing, and showed a turn of speed, but in the mud he did not get enough daylight to show any profit.

Casuals have to stick to the formula that has brought some good wins recently, and ensure that the reckless passes are cut out. The formula in the games that they have won, is good simple, controlled play, keeping possession, and not throwing ball away that the forwards have worked their butts off for.