Another superb, nail biting game on Saturday against a pacey Leeds side saw Moseley claim the bonus point win. But what a scrap it was as Leeds, who played better than their lowly league position suggested, had the nous to play the referee and the linesmen much better than Moseley. To say the referee was blind to the Leeds blatantly obvious forward passes along with many a subtle blocking tactics is an understatement. And I certainly wasn't alone in spotting them.
The Leeds 14 and 15 effectively demonstrating elements of rugby league threequarters attacking skills in open play, were a constant menace. The try won by the Leeds number 14 chipping over the defence and winning the chase near the Moseley line - ably assisted by a linesman who seemed to signal touch then changed his mind - was typical rugby league. The Leeds threequarters - all dangerous in open play - must have thought it was Christmas what with the amount of free ball they received - ably assisted by much subtle blocking. Moseley, by contrast, had to contest with at least a couple of marauding defenders on most occasions when they received clearance kicks.
As I and many, many a supporter has mentioned here, why, oh why, oh why do Moseley kick so much good possession away when they have flying wingers lurking out wide. And what a try that was by Aquile Smith who after receiving the ball well inside the Moseley half used the six inches of try line space he had to skin his opposite number and score. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Even at the death on Saturday, when Moseley were in front and all they had to do was stuff the ball up their jumpers and play down the clock they still kicked the ball away giving Leeds an option to strike back. Moseley did exactly that against Plymouth a couple of seasons ago. It resulted in a silly penalty, Plymouth kicked for the corner, scored from the catch and drive and won the game.
The Moseley pack played well on Saturday with one spectacular galloping maul up the right in the first half really exciting the supporters. There was the usual white line fever - what club does not have that - but with both the line-out and the scrum operating well all game the lads up front were a reliable source of ball. And here I would like to point out Pat Zindi. What a pocket Hercules he was punching well above his weight all the game in both attack and defence. What a find he is and for me was, without question, was the man of the match.
And what about both Sam Pointon and Aquile Smith. Give either of them a sniff of space and they're off like whippets. And when they are ably supported by the likes of Mason Tonks - I am sorry but I am still unable to put names to other faces - it is so, so thrilling to watch even if it doesn't result in a try. Much better to gain territory by running the ball into the opposition and ideally recycling it than aimlessly kicking the ball into open space. Even a chancy hack and chase can be thrilling. Here, a hack and chase in the second half, I think it was Ollie Allsop who hacked a loose ball upfield and although he was marginally beaten to the ball by the speedy Leeds full back in a 40 yards dash the supported he had was enough to make something out of it. Thrilling, absolutely thrilling.
My fingers can't take much more of these close games with nail biting, win at the death finishes but as long as we do get the win, preferably a bonus win, then I can put up with it. Here's to the game at Taunton another new team to the league. I am sure I will not be on my own in hoping and praying that Moseley will continue to play to their strengths and win again. Pam and I will be there so,
Come on Moooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooose
A major plus for me dag is that overall our game is improving and the unforced errors are on a downward spiral. Yes, those box kicks cause issues and we have to believe that as time goes on experience will improve the outcomes. I enjoyed the game right to the end like you and we know we'll come a cropper on occasions with a 'welcoming' defence but we cant complain that the squad is not giving its all in scoring over the ton and never giving up in facing up to adversity.
A fear lies ahead with heavier pitches due but the squad number hopefully will ensure we have experience on the field for most outings to cover injury and tactical diversity.
A great result on Saturday and an entertaining game. Leeds 15 was the outstanding player on the park.
This is a very tight league. On Saturday, only Bishops Stortford picked up no points - and they lost by only 8 points having scored three tries. If we are to really set the ground for next season, Mose have got to start to perform away from the Zapaygo Arena. Every game is tough and we have done well to win some tight ones at home. I know we are conceding points, but some of the tackling is immense - still a way to go, but a huge improvement on recent seasons.
Having just watched the highlights again what a great job Mason Tonks did to get over the line for his try with plenty left to do - not as spectacular as our first and last tries but great finish nonetheless particularly in light of virtually no other visits to their 22 in the half.
As has been said previously a win is a win but I think the time has come where the coaches should take a look at how effective the recent tactic of box kicking really is. From where I was sitting we failed to advance any distance and failed to regain possession, in fact we lost possession on two occasions which directly lead to Leeds scoring 14 points.
I think one other area with box kicks where we need to be smarter is if the advancing player is not going to get to the ball there seems little point in stretching an arm out in the fond hope you will catch it one handed. This happened on a number of occasions against Tonbridge and again against Leeds. What should have been an advantage to Mose turned out to be quite the opposite.
