Match report 7th March 2010
Old Pats v Barbarians at Reeves Field, Charlton Park
A beautiful morning saw a 17 strong Barbarian squad assemble for the final pool match against Old Pats. The build up to the game was important in setting a tone that was to prove evident in the early performance in the match. Bomber and Jason led the squad for nearly an hour in a series of defensive exercises that got the blood pumping, but more importantly the minds attuned to snuffing out opposition attacks. (it was also interesting to see the two of them zipping the ball about with a pace and accuracy that illustrated why they are in the 1st team!)
Once the game started the fruits of the pre-match drills were evident and the Babas denied OP’s scoring opportunities through effective defence. It was more than 10mins into the game before OP were able to break through and score. For the rest of the half excursions to the opposition’s 22 were rare and possession limited and inevitably tries were leaked but very definitely not conceded easily.
The second half began with yet another period of solid defence, the Baba’s replacements being equally determined not to concede as those who were rested. By mid-way through the half though the effort required to hold the strong running OP team was clearly taking its toll and the score against began to gather pace as more tackles were missed because of tired bodies and slightly sagging spirits.
Despite the defeat, there was recognition amongst all watching that this was the best performance of the Cup campaign. The team played for each other and played a game that they should be proud of. Over the last few weeks a spirit of togetherness has grown amongst the squad and a group that at times looked disparate has found an identity and purpose. Playing performance is responding to some excellent coaching and leadership and the cohesiveness the group has found is sure to pay dividends against teams of similar size and ability.
