Dubs 5 - Haslemere 15 (10/11/07)
Both clubs had started well in the league, and this was our first meeting since a cup game a couple of seasons back. Unfortunately, our preparations were somewhat disrupted with a couple of stranded players, no kit etc and having committed to being well prepared for this game we somehow managed to mess it up.
Haslemere made a strong start and with the Dubs still not focused on the game our intensity was weak and we allowed their pack to gain early possession and dominance around the fringes. Haslemere have a very 'traditional' forward back and with several large ball carriers to pick from they made ground far too easily and we committed too many players to slowing them down, leaving gaps in defence which were exploited well to score an early try, 5-0. Still not fully awake, we managed to ship a second very shortly afterwards with some weak first-up tackling in midfield allowing an easy run-in under the posts which was converted, 12-0. This finally seemed to sting us into action and the half finished with good aggressive forward play and a couple of half chances.
After a team talk from coach Roly, we played a more controlled game in the second half, with solid possession from AJ in particular at the lineout and driving mauls yielding good territory. The tactics started to tell as the heavier Haslemere pack tired and with less numbers at the breakdown we were able to build some phases and draw the back row fully into the defense, leaving space for the backs. Quick ball from one of these attacks saw an overlap on the left and good straight running saw Roch in for an easy try in the corner, conversion missed, 12-5.
With the forwards now playing with a bit of heart, the remainder of the half was evenly contested with our superior fitness balancing out the heavier Haslemere pack. Some better decision making on the day could well have created the all-important second try and a tight finish but it wasn't to be, an unnecessary infringement in our 22 allowing Haslemere to close out the game with a penalty. We can take some heart from the second half performance but we have to start stronger - the return match on our much wider pitch should be an interesting encounter with defences stretched and the forwards having to cover more territory.
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