GCC vs Deeside/Garioch

Yes, it turned into another development game but lots to be positive about. (it turns into a development game when the score difference exceeds 30 points). We need to collectively understand that this year will be tough when we don't have a constant 15 - 18 players at training and game days against opposition who are largely well established.
We started with 12 players (Deeside had 17 - with someone coming later) so lent us 2 good players on 14-a-side initially. Kick off play was fantastic, 4 quick accurate passes to the wing for Harry Wood (Garioch loanee) to loop round on the wing and score. Great start. Deeside scored all the other 7 tries in the first half showing their dominance. We hung off a little too much allowing them too much space - and they had some really good players.
Second half we got another Garioch/Deeside player and played 15-a-side. With less space on the pitch the game was much more even despite the score line of 6 tries to 2 (the 2 scored by Garioch/Deeside players). Lewis G managed a conversion.
Effort was great - all the way to the end. Its a tough encounter but there were large parts of the game where there was little in it - the difference being:
- tackling
- closing down the opposition; getting back into position quickly
- support (either at the breakdown or following players)
all of the above we can fix with practice and game time.
I actually thought every single player played well in parts so we need to build on that. Pleasing to hear the communication at the huddles - particularly Dylan and Stuart - explaining what wasn't going well (without me saying anything) and encouraging the rest. This maturity will serve the team well henceforth. Ryan did well at stand off. Alex had good penetration at times. Lewis positioning and tackling solid. Jacob getting more involved. All good stuff.
What went well:
1. spirit and effort all the way to the final whistle. Great character when so many scores against.
2. passing out wide - at times very good indeed
3. Scrum much better this week
Things to work on:
1. need to get to the breakdown / be the support player, quicker
2. Tackling - first tackle needs to stop (or at least slow down) the player before they gain speed
3. Receiving the ball static. Need to run on the ball and cross the game line. Similarly, press the opposition in defence so they don't cross it.

Man of the match: Callum. Covered well as wing in first half and took control as scrum half in second half
Captain: Dylan Lennox
Injuries: none

Next game is away against Gordonstoun on 22nd September