As I sit here on Tuesday morning writing this report, there is no doubt whatsoever that our Winter Season is hitting Wellington with a vengeance. At least we do not have the wind – well not at the moment anyway. A tough week end for our two Senior teams. In fact, a
weekend filled with more twists and turns than an Agatha Christie novel – but more on that later.
The Reserves had a tough day at the office with a game that could easily have not had that outcome. A day of 50/50 not going our way. Once again we showed more dominance in set pieces with mistakes letting us down. I still believe our Reserves have the goods and although the Boys are playing for each other, a bit more thought has to go into
executing the play. Although beaten, our Reserves should take heart that the ability is there. We just need to take the obvious Camaraderie and great culture to the field.
The Premiers should have, could have, would have -DIDN’T! HOBM only got into the game through our mistakes. The proof of our dominance was shown when our scrum was one man down and did not get pushed back. In fact, we were mostly on attack. Once again,
the 50/50 plays. I have always been a believer in keeping the game simple until you are points ahead. Now here is a bit of Irish logic – we deserved to win the game, but we also deserved to lose. The opposition were not really that good, it was just that we went out without our
spirit in gear. However, history will show forever that we lost. We have a Bye this week for both Teams. An ideal opportunity to regroup, rethink and come back fully charged to show the rest of
the Competition it was just a “road bump”.
About the Novel – so picture this. You take someone through the legal system for a perceived misdemeanour, then at the eleventh hour the persecuted party finds that you have committed the same infringement. In the meantime, the whole Senior Competition is in turmoil due to a game being cancelled pending an outcome. End result is that Norths (totally innocent in this mess) not only do
not get to play, but do not get awarded any
points. Norths, in my opinion, should get 5 points.
The All Blacks display was nothing short of awesome, once they got going. It has always been said that the first Test each year is when we are at our rusty worst. A bit of controversy not helped by a retired Ref who thinks he has been forgotten and of course our old Mate Stephen Jones. The thing about Jones is that he could be in
Alaska in an Igloo with no TV, but still give an opinion on an All Black outcome. Of course Reason has to chime in and seemingly blame the Crowd – what a Dick!! I must admit the French Yellow Card was incorrect. The Ref should have gone to the TMO. The second incident was a clash – maybe a Yellow for Cane, but nothing else. Onward to Westpac Stadium where the score may be worse for the French. A message for Basteraud – don’t go beating yourself up!
We have a Bye this week, but I am sure our fortunes will change on 23 June when we take on Poneke at Kilbirnie Park.
Allan Davidson
Club President
