Moseley 19 - 26 Bedwas

[markd]

Plus ca change.

A disappointing day in many respects, although the performance was not without its merits. Mose were largely in control for the first hour with anything that Bedwas offered being snuffed out relatively easily. Mose led 14-0 at half time with two tries (both converted). This was a decent return for the possesion, but one was gifted, the other well-worked. Soon after half time, a third, unconverted try (also gifted) was added before changes were rung and Bedwas began to assert, scoring four tries including the winning score on the final whistle.

In general, the forwards wanted all the ball to themselves and as for the last several seasons the back were severely under-utilised.

Clearly plenty to work on in what is going to be a long, hard season.

[kingsheathlad]

Agree Mark D.
Strange game. We semed to be in control for two thirds but after we used most of our replacements we seemed to lose any control we had and it was defence which held out in parts. I thought when we had those scrums on their line in the second half we should of got a score as another penalty by them in the scrum would possibley have given us a penalty try. Fairplay to them they kept at it and on the try count perhaps deserved to win but may be a draw would have been fair. The new players looked promising and so to the real stuff next week.
Picked up my season ticket at the office before the game.

[welshexile1963]

It sounds a lot like last season where we would lose the match in the last 20 mins of the match if we could sort that out we could easily be in the top half of the league come the end of the season COME ON MOSE!!!

[newby]

I think we need to give the coaches some credit, pre season games are used to try out different combinations of players etc. We were completely in control of the game ( as the score showed 19-0) until players were taken off 10 mins into the 2nd half
and the team was re jigged on numerous occasions allowing the coaches to look at trialists and different combinations. I don't think we have anything to worry about. The pre season scores are no reflection on the ability of the team.

[standsitter]

I'm with you there, Newby. The starting XV ruled for an hour. What was most striking was the difference in attitude, big smiles and relaxed body language off the pitch, constant calling to each other and enthusiastic support for each other on it. Lots of promise among the new guys. Also some evidence that we might be willing to accept the possibility of a "Plan B" occasionally.

I'm not sure we'll crucify Pirates straight out of the box, but once Maggsy gets fully to grips with the best combinations we'll be punching well above last seasons level. We'll need to be up for it from the start though, as the oppo haven't stood still either.

Go Moseley!

[londonexile]

...the best combinations...

Would anyone who went to the two pre-season games like to pick a starting XV for the first game of the season? I'm particularly interested in the centre & front row combinations.

[professor]

I only made the Bedwas game londonexile, but I'll have a punt at Saturday's starting XV:

1. Craig Voisey
2. Adam Caves
3. Colin Quigley
4. Dan Sanderson
5. Paul Spivey
6. Neil Mason
7. Michael Maltman
8. Mike Ellery
9. Gareth Taylor
10. Ollie Thomas
11. Jamie Hearn
12. Andy Reay
13. Jack Adams
14. Brad Hunt
15. Antony Carter

I think Voisey and Caves are nailed-on starters, and the nod probably just goes to Quigley based on his experience at this level. Gadd and O'Donnell should be pushing for places shortly I'd imagine.

I've got to admit I didn't really notice Matt Dew on Saturday, so will have to default on his abilities, but with Stott injured I would imagine we'll start with Sanderson and Spivey in the second row. Both looked very good on Saturday.

Back row is a tough call as Ben Pons played well and scored the opening try. Pons adds real pace to the back row so may get the nod, but who wouldn't pick Waggy if fit? Maltman and Ellery complete the back row - great pace from Ellery on Saturdday for the 3rd try. Pennycook's injury exlcudes him from the XV.

At half-back, I'm going with steady Gareth Taylor - although Sam Brown looked sharp on Saturday, and Ollie Thomas. We need composure and experience this weekend against a strong Pirates line-up so opted for these two.

Hearn and Hunt on the wings - with Robinson to come on later. Always an advantage to have another kicker in the side, and with Hunt's experience he gets the nod. Carter at full-back as usual.

The Centres are where people may disagree with my picks - Andy Reay and Jack Adams have plated together many times, and Greg King hasn't had that much pre-season action - I'm assuming he's carrying a knock? Great impact player from the bench.

Anyway that's my team - anyone else care to have a go?

[nev2214]

I'd agree with the majority of that Professor, with the exception of Gareth at scrum half.

Whilst he has good presence, motivation and experience on the pitch you cannot ignore the flaws he has of slow retrieval from the ruck and those overhead kicks. This is a big issue, one that really gets to the supporters. Other than these 2 areas I don't have a concern with him.

Sam Brown did look sharp and for this reason alone, he is worth going with for the first half at least.

[lboromose]

My guess is:

1. Craig Voisey
2. Adam Caves
3. Colin Quigley
4. Dan Sanderson
5. Paul Spivey
6. Ben Pons
7. Michael Maltman
8. Mike Ellery
9. Sam Brown
10. Brad Davies
11. Jamie Hearn
12. Andy Reay
13. Jack Adams
14. Brad Hunt
15. Antony Carter