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| Seaford |
| Cup, Away |
| 22nd November 2008 |
| Lost 29-0 |
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| Starting 15 |
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| 1 |
Monkey |
| 2 |
Debs |
| 3 |
TinTin |
| 4 |
Big Gay Al (capt) |
| 5 |
Horse |
| 6 |
Bavers |
| 7 |
Dan |
| 8 |
Mooey |
| 9 |
Jerry |
| 10 |
ChiChi |
| 11 |
SOAP |
| 12 |
Chemist |
| 13 |
Roland |
| 14 |
Tunde |
| 15 |
Yiddley |
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| Impact Players |
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| 16 |
Jamie |
| 17 |
One Dip |
| 18 |
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| 19 |
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| 20 |
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| 21 |
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| 22 |
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The Norfolk had a taste of what life could be like next
season if a third promotion in three years comes to pass. It is still a long
way off and it is something we have neither planned nor aimed for but it would
be foolish not to start thinking about options in order to be ready come what
may. The result speaks for itself although the score flatters the home side
slightly who were gifted some soft points at times in an otherwise fairly even
encounter. The Norfolk pack held its own and dominated the lineout while also
creating chances in attack around the fringes. Seaford did however dominate the
breakdown and their defence was well organised with two defenders swarming in
to prevent the offload every time stopping the Norfolk from getting into the
usual rhythm in attack.
The game started with the kick off going directly into touch off the boot of
stalwart Martin Newark and this did not do his confidence any good as well as
handing possession straight to Seaford. The Norfolk's defence held for several
minutes and the pressure relented but the ball never got near to the Seaford
line early on. Seaford were able to score after several incisive runs from
their centres and a pick and drive over the line. They scored again minutes
later through similar circumstances. If there was a lesson to be learned
however, it was not in flowing attacking rugby, it was more in the general
level of aggression in contact and the organisation of the defensive line
putting consistent pressure on the at times stuttering Norfolk backline which
had also suffered the loss of one of its most potent attacking weapons in Simon
Robotham who limped off after only 20 minutes.
Pushing the referee to the limit and getting away with it was also a key
difference between the two teams, experience gained from several years of hard
fought games showed as the Seaford pack used whatever means to gain the upper
hand, including cheap shots to divert the attentions of the Norfolk pack away
from the game at hand. Several players are glad of the week off to nurse
various injuries in time for the crunch match against Barns Green in two weeks
time.
The second half saw several periods of pressure from the Norfolk but every
attack was repelled by the determined and gritty Seaford defence. Ben Midgley
went closest to the line and was stopped only inches short, Hodson and Robinson
both came close as well. The Norfolk failed to convert the pressure into points
despite never giving up and right to the end everyone gave 100%. The positives
were clear, Seaford are mid table in Sussex 1, only two years ago there were 2
leagues separating the two teams and even last year there were still 2 leagues
difference after the intermediate division was created. The reaction from the
players also spoke volumes, instead of contentment at having not disgraced
ourselves; most people were disappointed at having not played our best. There
was no gulf in ability or power, a good team found and exploited areas of
weakness and cancelled out our strength through organised defence. The main
negative was the style with which we were beaten, not with fantastic play but
through mistakes or turnovers conceded.
One thing all concerned have learned is not to get dragged into a scrap by a
team content on playing mostly behind the referee's back. Seaford definitely
deserved the win, but they also deserved a couple of yellow cards for
persistent foul play. Well done to the boys for never giving up and for putting
our own stamp on the game at times. |
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