Two points gained or 2 points lost?
By MH@Biorra
December 8 2009
I arrived at the Madejski in good time and went to the LISC tent to introduce myself to some of the folk helping out and to let Bisach know that I was at the game and I would be able to ‘pen’ this week’s match.
Discussion with friends before the game was along the lines of Worcester are a good side who are performing very well this season
December 8 2009
I arrived at the Madejski in good time and went to the LISC tent to introduce myself to some of the folk helping out and to let Bisach know that I was at the game and I would be able to ‘pen’ this week’s match.
Discussion with friends before the game was along the lines of Worcester are a good side who are performing very well this season
but nonetheless LI should be looking for a bonus point win.
We identified the following three players as being crucial to Worcester’s cause.
In Pat Sanderson, Worcester Warriors have what the current England side are lacking; a top player, a first class captain, a natural leader who is very influential and is able to get the very best out of those around him.
Chris Latham is a quality fullback; very good under the high ball, a fine left kick and defensively sound.
Willie Walker has bought the control at half-back that has been previously missing.
We took our seats for the game, told those around that I was doing the match report and my thanks to them in seeking clarity as to what happened/who did what when I was making notes.
Certainly the LI match-day 23 seemed to be as published. Caimh was conducting the pre-match in his usual good humoured and informative style.
LI kicked off and it was immediately obvious the Worcester were not going to give an inch and to get in the faces of LI.
At the first three breakdowns there were plenty goings on afterwards, which resulted in the Worcester no 4 getting a yellow card after 5 minutes.
Around 8 minutes and penalty to LI which Ryan Lamb didn’t make.
Worcester had a lineout near the LI 5m line which we cleared but Peter Richards was mashed flowing a quick break (subsequently replaced by Paul Hodgson about 5 minutes later).
Odd period play when the referee appeared to signal that the ball was out but then penalized LI. Willie Walker kicked the penalty.
A period of poor kicking by LI. Chris Latham completely in command.
Another penalty by Willie walker and Worcester lead 6 – nil.
In my notes I wrote ‘a period of Worcester pressure – LI look ragged’.
Another penalty Worcester that fortunately Willie Walker didn’t make.
Around 26 minutes LI finally on the board through a Ryan Lamb penalty
Good chasing from the Worcester no 8, results in a penalty that Willie Walker scores.
The crowd was as flat as LI were playing. My notes show ‘Latham looking very comfortable. Class player’
Period of good pressure from LI which breaks down with an over complicated back move, shortly followed by a scrum to LI which Worcester were penalised. Ryan Lamb kicks the penalty.
Half time score, LI 6 – Worcester 9.
The general view from those around was a tight but disappointing game. A highlight for me was the contest between Pat Sanderson and Steffon Armitage, differing styles but both playing well.
A determined Worcester kick-off the second half and the rain is much more noticeable.
A lighter moment in the game is when the ball went into touch off Rico Gear’s head.
The best period of swift LI attacking play results in a well worked try down the centre for John Rudd which was converted by Ryan Lamb. LI 13 – Worcester 9. Would LI kick on from here?
My notes are a little unclear here. A clever kick off results in a series of knock ons.
Scrum to Worcester about 5 m out. LI under real pressure, the Referee penalises LI and speaks (presumably) to Bob Casey.
10 minutes into the second half and Worcester opt for the scrum. The scrum is reset and again LI are under huge pressure, the referee awards a penalty try which Willie Walker converts. LI 13 – 16.
I know absolutely nothing about front row play but from Worcester having an edge in the scrum we had two important scrums where LI were shoved backwards at a rate of knots.
Know doubt this will have already been debated by the time this report is published and I’ll leave those who know appreciably more than me to explain what and why. Almost immediately after Clarke Dermody came on for Dan Murphy.
Around 60 minutes and Ryan Lamb scores from a penalty making the score 16 all and that is how it finished.
Various substitutions by both sides but in truth this was not a great advertisement for the game of rugby. To be frank it was dull.
Was it 2 points won or lost? Personally I thought a draw reflected the game.
LI have an injury list that is of concern; in particular the injuries to their back three players which has taken the pace off the way were playing.
Clubs have developed a defensive plan against us and Worcester executed theirs very well.
Crowd attendance was given as 8561, the MOM given as Chris Hala'Ufia (no problem from an LI perspective) but the one player from either side who gave a virtual masterclass was Chris Latham.
Always pleased to see LI play live but what a difference since the last I saw LI live at the RDS in Dublin in October.
Big, big game this Saturday away to Brive. Tough game but we do need 4 points.
Come on you Irish.
We identified the following three players as being crucial to Worcester’s cause.
In Pat Sanderson, Worcester Warriors have what the current England side are lacking; a top player, a first class captain, a natural leader who is very influential and is able to get the very best out of those around him.
Chris Latham is a quality fullback; very good under the high ball, a fine left kick and defensively sound.
Willie Walker has bought the control at half-back that has been previously missing.
We took our seats for the game, told those around that I was doing the match report and my thanks to them in seeking clarity as to what happened/who did what when I was making notes.
Certainly the LI match-day 23 seemed to be as published. Caimh was conducting the pre-match in his usual good humoured and informative style.
LI kicked off and it was immediately obvious the Worcester were not going to give an inch and to get in the faces of LI.
At the first three breakdowns there were plenty goings on afterwards, which resulted in the Worcester no 4 getting a yellow card after 5 minutes.
Around 8 minutes and penalty to LI which Ryan Lamb didn’t make.
Worcester had a lineout near the LI 5m line which we cleared but Peter Richards was mashed flowing a quick break (subsequently replaced by Paul Hodgson about 5 minutes later).
Odd period play when the referee appeared to signal that the ball was out but then penalized LI. Willie Walker kicked the penalty.
A period of poor kicking by LI. Chris Latham completely in command.
Another penalty by Willie walker and Worcester lead 6 – nil.
In my notes I wrote ‘a period of Worcester pressure – LI look ragged’.
Another penalty Worcester that fortunately Willie Walker didn’t make.
Around 26 minutes LI finally on the board through a Ryan Lamb penalty
Good chasing from the Worcester no 8, results in a penalty that Willie Walker scores.
The crowd was as flat as LI were playing. My notes show ‘Latham looking very comfortable. Class player’
Period of good pressure from LI which breaks down with an over complicated back move, shortly followed by a scrum to LI which Worcester were penalised. Ryan Lamb kicks the penalty.
Half time score, LI 6 – Worcester 9.
The general view from those around was a tight but disappointing game. A highlight for me was the contest between Pat Sanderson and Steffon Armitage, differing styles but both playing well.
A determined Worcester kick-off the second half and the rain is much more noticeable.
A lighter moment in the game is when the ball went into touch off Rico Gear’s head.
The best period of swift LI attacking play results in a well worked try down the centre for John Rudd which was converted by Ryan Lamb. LI 13 – Worcester 9. Would LI kick on from here?
My notes are a little unclear here. A clever kick off results in a series of knock ons.
Scrum to Worcester about 5 m out. LI under real pressure, the Referee penalises LI and speaks (presumably) to Bob Casey.
10 minutes into the second half and Worcester opt for the scrum. The scrum is reset and again LI are under huge pressure, the referee awards a penalty try which Willie Walker converts. LI 13 – 16.
I know absolutely nothing about front row play but from Worcester having an edge in the scrum we had two important scrums where LI were shoved backwards at a rate of knots.
Know doubt this will have already been debated by the time this report is published and I’ll leave those who know appreciably more than me to explain what and why. Almost immediately after Clarke Dermody came on for Dan Murphy.
Around 60 minutes and Ryan Lamb scores from a penalty making the score 16 all and that is how it finished.
Various substitutions by both sides but in truth this was not a great advertisement for the game of rugby. To be frank it was dull.
Was it 2 points won or lost? Personally I thought a draw reflected the game.
LI have an injury list that is of concern; in particular the injuries to their back three players which has taken the pace off the way were playing.
Clubs have developed a defensive plan against us and Worcester executed theirs very well.
Crowd attendance was given as 8561, the MOM given as Chris Hala'Ufia (no problem from an LI perspective) but the one player from either side who gave a virtual masterclass was Chris Latham.
Always pleased to see LI play live but what a difference since the last I saw LI live at the RDS in Dublin in October.
Big, big game this Saturday away to Brive. Tough game but we do need 4 points.
Come on you Irish.
Bookmark or share this story with:
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
StumbleuponTwo points gained or 2 points lost?
Posted by: The Craic www.londonirish.org (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2009 15:51
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Re: Two points gained or 2 points lost?
Posted by: Props are not stupid (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2009 16:13
Very fair report. I also think a draw made both teams justice.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
