Moral victory at Hawcoat

Rugby date 15/1/11 away against Hawcoat Park score 10-10

Hi Guys,

What a fabulous day at Barrow in Furness playing Hawcoat Park 2's, at the beginning of the season this was a game I thought I would have difficulty with fulfilling. But it shows how far we have come this season as a team when we not only travel but take 3 substitutes as well. The team spirit is really shining through for the mighty thirds, with some superb support play on the pitch and some strong friendships off. This display was typical of how well bonded we have become as a team, with strength up front and new stars shinning in the backs.

We dominated the set piece once again not only winning our ball in the line out but all of the opponents, much to the annoyance of the Hawcoat supporters and linesman. We commanded the rolling maul with Braddy steering us up the pitch, time after time we made crucial yards by applying this tactic. Although the weather conditions were not favourable to champagne rugby, the backs stood solid in defence and on the occasion they got useful ball made good ground. Adam "Ollie" Alstead scoring a superb try after weaving his way through Hawcoats defence and making 50 meters to score the opening score. This hard fought game where we ground out a result through hard work ,support and a team effort, against a side peppered with first team players was in fact a moral victory for the mighty thirds. Hawcoat not used to teams travelling to them due to the lengthy distance, must have thought we would turn up and take whatever they dished out. As it was we where the team doing the dishing and could of won this fixture.

There is still room for improvement however, and mistakes were made. And this means we need to work harder in training, fitness was an issue on Saturday as the tough battle took its toll on the forwards. P.G. Works hard on a Thursday night with the training program, and we must support him and get numbers down to the sessions. Also discipline could of been a issue with a stronger referee, at times it seemed a shouting match to influence his decision. I know he was been barracked from the Hawcoat touch line and players on the pitch, but we need not sink to that level as our game is strong enough to overcome.

A couple of dates for your diaries, are February 5th we travel to Barrow in Furness again To face Barrow, we are looking to arrange two mini buses for this game and would want to fill them. Supporters are welcome and a charge of £5 will be applied, players will pay subs as usual. The venga bus will be making a stop or two on the way home for refreshments, lets make this a memorable day out by fielding a strong side and having some fun as well. Secondly we are at home on February 12th in a cup game against Knutsford 2's, this team put Fylde out in the first round and will be a tough opponent. However we look for our best side again and will do our best, the day will be a theme day as it is near Valentines day. The theme I have chosen for you is The Love Boat, You have been notified in plenty of time to make an effort, please try and support the day as fines will be made.

This coming weekend we are without a fixture and I have decided that we will have a rest day, the first team are at home and I would like as many third team members to come along to Ramsgreave and show our support. Also the 2's have a trip to Wilmslow, and would be grateful of any players who fancy making the trip with them to help them out. That's it for now see you all soon.

Regards Carlos (captain).