Captain's blog no 9

Since my last blog we have had it all, in terms of results and performances. Narrow victories, narrow losses, two trips to Ireland, a lesson in how to play rugby and the lowest scoring game I have ever been involved in. The last two months have been action packed with lots of rugby being played.

Before Christmas we had two massive BIC games which were crucial in order for us to qualify from our group. The first was an away trip to Belfast to play against the Ulster Ravens. The boys had been looking forward to this tie since it got announced and I know many supporters were also looking forward to the trip. The build up to the trip had gone well and we were all excited about the game and the step up in class of players we would be playing against.

The game itself was definitely an opportunity for us to get a big scalp in the competition and really set down a marker. We started off a bit shaky but soon found our rhythm and went in at half time with a deserved lead.  The second half was a close affair which came down to the boot of both 10s and a tale of taking penalty chances and missing penalty chances.  It was a game we should’ve won with all the chances we created and at the final whistle we were gutted that we had lost, after the huge effort we had put in. The players were more gutted about the fact so many supporters had followed us over the Irish sea via plane, car, ferry and other modes of transport and we didn’t get the job done, a victory that you deserved. A special mention here must go to a few supporters with great taste and for the weekend became ‘Dico’s Disciples’. The boys haven’t let me forget this and I still get a bit of stick about it.

The following week we had a massive chance to redeem ourselves with a win at home against Leeds. Going into the game we knew only a win would do. In front of the S4C cameras I think we were able to put together our best performance of the season and get a fine win against a good Leeds side. Leeds threw everything at us in the opening ten minutes and after we had weathered the storm I think we were in complete control for the next seventy minutes, playing some nice rugby in difficult conditions.

The game though will rightly be remembered for the individual try that Nuts scored in the second half. Nuts went away at the end of last season and worked hard in the gym and on his fitness levels and we are definitely reaping the benefits this year, he is back to his best and we are seeing the Nuts that pulled the jersey on in the professional era.

The next game on the cards was the small matter of Cardiff on Boxing Day at Sardis Road. Again this is a game the boys all look for when the fixtures are announced and we were really focused on getting the win and putting on a good performance. We didn’t really perform well on the day but with a bit of guts and dog we managed to grind out the win again in terrible conditions. The crowd that day was phenomenal and apart from Bristol last year it was the biggest crowd a number of the boys playing have experienced at Sardis. 

Our games after Christmas have been something of a major disappointment. First there was the loss down at Aberavon - again a game we could’ve won had it not been for individual errors. There was not much between the two teams on the day but we have to accept defeat and take our hats off to Aberavon who now have done the double over us this season. After this there was the comfortable win against Tonmawr who to be fair to them never gave up on the day. Then there was the mad minute down at Bridgend. During the first half at the Brewery we played well and to the structure we have been trying to play to all season. We were confident coming out for the second half and really thought we could push on and get the bonus point. Then with the last play of the game through our errors Dai Flan was able to kick a winning penalty. As soon as the penalty was given I had no doubt that Dai would slot it and all the hard work we had put in would come to nothing. This defeat hurt the boys, especially myself being from Bridgend ,and it was another missed opportunity.  Our saving grace in these defeats is that teams around us at the top seem to be losing too so we are still well in the mix for the end of season play-offs and our aim of finishing top of the league.

The following week was another trip to Ireland and this time Dublin. Again preparations for the game went really well. We were very confident going into the game especially after the team bonding quiz we had on the Saturday night. The winning quiz team on the night were a team you would never have guessed would win. Lewis Williams (winger), Chris our physio and Einstein Lockyer who between them somehow managed to win the quiz and take the 60 euro winnings.

As for the game itself, we performed nowhere near our own standards both as a team and individuals. We were beaten by a very good Leinster side and after the game many of the boys commented that the Leinster side was the best side they had played against in a long time. Even at half time we thought we could get back into the game with the wind behind us, but an interception try as we were pressing for a score was the nail in the coffin. Also the lack of wind in the second half messed us up. I’m sure the Leinster captain knew the wind would stop come 3:15 as he won the toss and chose to play with it first half. The game was a massive reality check and showed us where we actually are this season performance wise and where we need to be. The trip though was ended on a massive high with the airport dance off between Lockers and Nuts. It was a close contest but I feel Lockers just edged it with the skipping rope move, even though Nuts’ handstands into forward rolls were class.

We had a six day turn around before another trip away this time to Llandovery in the Swalec Cup, our cup. As defending champions there is always added pressure to perform well and we knew only our A game would get us the victory. Luckily enough, in the lowest scoring game that I have ever been involved in, we were able to come away with a 3-0 win. A reporter after the game asked me what won us that game and the simple answer was our defence and Humbers’ penalty kick. It was a tough game but the victory means we are in the next round of the cup which is the most important thing.

Although our performances this season have not been up to scratch we have installed a belief that there is no need to panic and with continued hard work we will click and reach the heights of last season. We are still well positioned in the league and still in the cup. Although last season was tremendous we as a unit have talked about not looking back on what we have done, but focusing on the run in to this season and what we can achieve. Also with big players coming back from injury the likes of Tubbs, Humbers and Adam we are confident we can kick on and have a good end to the season.

Finally I must mention again the support we have had this season. Not many teams can lose 32-0 and still be cheered off by their fans. As I’ve said a number of times your support of the team is very special and hopefully now we can put in some performances that warrant such support, starting at home this Saturday against the Quins!!

Dico

30^th January 2012