Post by Communications Team on Sept 28, 2018 11:35:23 GMT
Big Match Preview
by Glyn Barlow
This week we look forward to the visit to Old Elthamians with a degree more optimism following last weekend’s 28-22 win over newly relegated Rotherham Titans.
Optimism should not, however, turn into complacency as Birmingham Moseley face an Elthamians team currently enjoying fifth spot in the league due to three wins out of the four games played so far.
Last weekend they suffered their first defeat of the season away to Rosslyn Park 37-24, in what must have been a disappointing reversal considering previous results had seen victories over Darlington Mowden Park 31-22, Blackheath 10-21 and Rotherham 33-34.
Following a first season in National One rugby which saw the London side finish a very creditable sixth, one place and two points above Birmingham Moseley, the team has not rested on this success but has looked to strengthen their squad further. A new face familiar to Moseley supporters will be full back Ben Howard who made two appearances in red and black last season while on loan from Worcester. Howard is joined by further new boys; scrum half Rhys Morgan and second row Dylan Flashman from Wimbledon, Australian born, Slovenian International back row Michael Kovacic from Richmond, props Reece Conlon from Tonbridge & Keiron Scutt from Blackheath, Cinderford’s James Moffat at full back, second row Dom McGeekie from London Scottish, Loughborough Students centre Charlie Dockery, back row Harry elbow from Old Albanian and Cinderford wing Kai Little.
On the downside for Elthamians they have had to face covering the retirements of back row Mike Denbee, former England Students prop Aaron Liffchak and England Counties second row Ian Kench.
Last season Birmingham Moseley suffered two defeats at the hands of Elthamians including a painful 47-17 away loss in a game which saw them in contention up to half time but fall apart in the second half, conceding five tries in the process.
If the team adopts the same approach as last week, of playing a pragmatic tactical game, coupled with resolute defence then there should be no repeat of last season’s woes.
A telling aspect of last week’s performance was the team outscoring Titans four to one in tries. This was as much attributable to the best defensive performance of the season so far as it was to Adam Caves’ try scoring exploits. Speaking of Adam, if we can forgive him hogging all the scoring opportunities, it was good to see him back in Moseley colours where he belongs.
An aspect the team will be looking to improve on this week will be to avoid giving away unnecessary penalties. Without the four Rotherham converted into points last week the result would have been a much more comprehensive victory.
As mentioned in the opening of this preview we cannot become complacent and assume one good win changes everything. There are strong signs that the team is beginning to fit together well, and as players return from injury the squad should continue to progress. There are a few hard fixtures to face in the coming month, not least Saturday’s but there is no better time for the lads to prove their ability.
Let’s follow up the first win of the season with the first away victory.
By all accounts moseley did better then expected and there lies the problem. At the beginning of the season top 4-6 now looking like possible whipping boys at the basement .Things need to improve
We deserved a point at least but OE`s were the better side.Over the last few seasons we have scored three tries in games but can`t make it for a bonus and these bonus points can be so critical come the end of the season.
Our last two games imo have shown improvement and hopefully when we get our injured players back and a full strength squad wins will come. Come on Mose........
Our last two games imo have shown improvement and hopefully when we get our injured players back and a full strength squad wins will come. Come on Mose........
That's sort of where I am on it all - although I am finding it difficult to stay cheerful....!
Our last two games imo have shown improvement and hopefully when we get our injured players back and a full strength squad wins will come. Come on Mose........
That's sort of where I am on it all - although I am finding it difficult to stay cheerful....!
I'm with both of you there. It was a great shame we didn't take any points from last Saturday. I thought we were good enough to take at least 2. The positives from that game: we didn't give up, Pointon showed great pace to finish off a good try and we sliced open their midfield (Williams pass) for Hollingworth to score another good try.
