Well what can I say, another draw at half time, another loss that could have, should have, would have been a victory. Although the team succumbed to a very fancied Bosch side, I think the boys can be happy with what they have achieved, but must realise that it is their own mistakes/ lack of focus at times that is letting them down at vital moments in tight matches.

Look for me, to have this team really believe they could win before kick off really said a lot to me, as it was not that long ago that this same team were petrified of the Bosch team, and it showed afterwards with a scoreline of 0 – 26. So for them to come out to Bosch yesterday with such a mindset really shows how far this team has come on in such a short space of time. The confidence oozing from every player is astounding, and really inspiring to all associated with this team, as it proves that anything is possible if you just believe in yourself and work hard towards overcoming your fears. This team has done what many thought was impossible for them a year ago, and for them to have turned that belief around is astounding especially when you consider they are just 15.

Thus they are already winners in my eyes, and more importantly this team has won respect, both from me as well as the opposition. I admire them and I think many people watching from the outside are jealous at the team spirit which gets stronger each week.

However, even though they have a strong team spirit, it seems they need to produce something more to actually win these close matches where both teams are very evenly matched. This has happened to the team on a number of occasions this year, which is hugely frustrating both to me and I’m sure the team as well. I have to wonder what it will take for the team to produce the kind of game that will actually win these games! But, then I really think about it, and realise that they are so close to achieving it, thus I know it will happen either this Friday or for the last two matches, I know this because the team is still on this amazing journey which will not end until the last match of 2011. Just thinking about the type of rugby they will produce by then gives me serious goosebumps, because I know, and I know the teams knows that they have not yet reached their full potential, and when they do the team playing them will realise it too, and by that they will learn the hard way.

Yesterday again showed glimpses of what they are capable of, Dexter’s try in the corner bearing testament to this, a counter attack which started in our 22m, ended up going through 5 pairs of hands, while Joel’s run was just sublime, I shudder to think what this team will do if he runs like that the entire match! The possibilities are endless, because we have the players, they are 100% behind the team and have such a thirst to prove themselves that it puts them above most opposition we encounter.  That try proved that they are capable of playing attacking rugby better than any other team they face, it was almost perfect and had me smiling even in defeat.

The positives from the match was our rucking, Kyle Brown made one huge difference in the two sessions he came to, and it shows in the stats that we improved almost 50% in that area! it just proves how a few new voices can make the guys wake up and listen and learn far more than normal. I must thank him for his input, it really was invaluable as I learnt a lot, and so did the team! Other areas that were better was defence, but again once in this league if you miss a tackle, or are not in the right place at the right time you will be punished by conceding a try. It is hugely frustrating but that is the reality we face, which makes it that much harder to coach, but it makes the boys and I work so much harder because it is such a challenge. Soon this area of ours will be near impenetrable, and when that happens other teams better watch out.

I have to mention Shane and Zubair for their much improved performances yesterday, where both finally seemed to find their groove and cement their place on the team. Shane has really battled this year making the move to scrumhalf, which is not an easy position to master, but I feel like he has finally settled there and seems to be playing with far more confidence than ever before. He is making my job 100 times easier by having a bit more fun out on the field and it shows because when he plays well and is having fun the entire team does too. His charge down in the first half, which enabled Justin to score was massive at the time as it got us right back into the game which was for a moment slipping from our grasp, as well as that his pass to Joel as well as Buck just before Dexter’s try was vital, without those passes that try would not have been scored. I am keen to see how much further he can take his game this year!

While Zubair played his best game for the team to date, his contribution at the back was vital especially on defence where his cross covering tackles prevented another 2 -3 tries being scored against us, while his run from our 22m to set up Dexter’s try was seriously impressive! Honestly dude where did that power booster come from? Pity about the non clearing kick which Bosch scored from, but I know he has learn’t from that, and more than made up for it with his tackles, his running and who can forget his boot? His kicking to poles was sublime, and it seems he really rises to the occasion in the big games, which as any coach will tell you is invaluable! We will definitely miss him once the fast starts!!!!

there were other players who are really starting to play a physical and clever game now, which is really good to see, while the skill set of all players will improve considerably next year, they seem to be trying new things in the matches which is nice to see.

So while I am really disappointed they lost, I must be reminded that maybe all this is happening for a reason, and that they may be building towards one serious finish to the season, in fact, I know they are, they deserve it and I’m positive they will make sure it happens. For this team to score the most points against this Bosch team this year says a lot about how they played, while for them to turn around a 26 to nil drubbing last term, to score 18 points to 27 really tells you something about this teams improvement.

I am proud of them as always, and am excited to see what they can produce in the last 3 weeks. I’m pretty sure it is going to be 3 weeks of serious fun and some more awesome tries!!!!

Well done boys….

There’s always next year…. ;)