PNBHS NEWS

1st XV defeated by strong Hamilton team

 
Picture of Dominic King
1st XV defeated by strong Hamilton team
by Dominic King - Monday, 19 June 2017, 8:15 AM
 

Hamilton Report

The 1st XV had their first white jersey game at home for the 2017 season on Saturday against the perennially strong Hamilton side.  Eager to put the disappointing result against Hastings behind them the team had trained well through the week and were set to put out a strong performance.  Unfortunately once again this was not the case. Hamilton were allowed to run through our line at ease in the first ten minutes and they streaked out to a 19-0 lead with three quick tries.   Our application at the tackle was inconsistent and their ball runners were simply taking gaps at will forcing us to scramble back and expose our edges.  Hamilton then headed out there and the overlaps were effectively used.  Late in the first half some parity was gained for a ten minute spell with the introduction of new players leading to some possession.  While we enjoyed having the ball we played pretty tight for too long and a number of wide opportunities were lost. 

The second half started as the first had finished but soon the defensive frailties were again to the fore with far too many one on one missed tackles.  Tackling is about attitude and for whatever reason at the moment we as a collective team do not have that attitude.  Thus Hamilton were able to score another six tries in the second half.  We finally managed to get on the scoreboard in the last play of the game with some good width putting Ethan Helu-Makasini away for a long range try.  The final scoreline was 76-7 and reflected another poor individual defensive effort.

We have a quick turnaround with the New Plymouth game on Thursday.  By then there needs to be a massive mental adjustment in how we approach the tackle and how hard we want to work or it has the potential to be a long season and all the good work that was done in the lead up games will be for nought.

Pics of the game:  1st XV vs Hamilton BHS