A fine autumn day began with a review of last week’s performances and namely the things we did wrong, no lengthy training session this week just a quick warm up and a chat about where we need to improve.
The key areas being:-

• Forward running - keeping the support behind you and onside.
• Sympathetic passes – not bullets

So with another excellent turnout of 9 players we welcomed the travelling Bridport side.

Game 1
The first of 3 terrific games saw a well spirited to and fro game which Ivel narrowly won 10-9 try scorers Liam 4 Rory 2 and Billy, Freddy, Simeon and Ethan with one apiece.   Fabulous forward running with some terrific tagging but time and organisation of the defensive line let us down. Too many spaces gave Bridport some easy tries which made for an exciting game but one we should have won easily. Also concentration levels need to increase in our defence– we need to be more vigilant, always looking at where our team mates are, where our opposition are and where there are gaps.

Game 2
A change again Ivel up much quicker on their opposition giving them little time to get into their stride and forcing them into errors. Some excellent tagging from Owen, Simeon and especially Liam with all tags handed back as per the rule book.  Some silky running again from Liam and Ethan, who at times made the defence wonder where he had gone!
Even with some gaps this tiger defence meant that Bridport could not use the ball as well as they had in the first game and the end result was Ivel 6 Bridport 3 scorers Liam and Ethan 2 Rory and Freddy one apiece.

Game 3
Final game began with a silly mood but both sides soon get serious.   Ivel maintained their attacking defence, the tigers were definitely back!    The final score Ivel 5 Bridport 2 try scorers Liam (2) and Billy, Freddy and Rory.

All three games were played in a friendly and attacking manner it was a credit to both teams and a joy to referee. I think I can speak for both supports and coaches when I say spread out!!

Overall an excellent team performance and much improved; especially in the areas we were weak in the last game.
Simeon and Owen were very much improved trying hard to focus on the game and getting involved, Billy and Freddy has some excellent forward runs and were excellent in defence – Billy showed excellent control in not diving. Ethan Liam and Rory were as usual excellent in their forward running and Liam was the best defender on the day for me, showing good discipline in handing back tags before searching for the next.

Harrison had a good game and needs to keep looking for where the play goes and ensuring that he follows.
Most improved player from last week showing good attention, some excellent tagging and nice forward running was Murray and for this is he gets the vote for Man of the Match.

Excellent work but next week we need to

• Be organised quicker – lets be waiting and ready to tag
• Spread out defensively – this involves looking as well as shouting – if you are too close to two team mates move out to where the gaps are.
• Spread out in attack and share the ball amongst team mates – I have a plan for Sunday to remedy this!