Team Notes: On a beautiful rugby day; Maryland Exiles Varsity was able to score early in both halves but Gonzaga Black took advantage of tactical errors and better loose play to score later and more often later in both halves to prevail 12-38.

Folks most of these notes will sound negative; but they are intended to be teaching points so that we can collectively improve our game. As a team we did a lot of positive things; at the very end of the game we had at least 2 movements where we passed the ball 8-9 times and maintained the attack. Our tackling was pretty good; 3 of Gonzaga's trys were breakaways due to tactical error or lucky bounces - not due to missed tackles.

One of Gonzaga's first scores came after a mix-up between our wings and fullback. The 1st fullback came out with an injury. The second fullback went in and was in the backline when Gonzaga won possession of the ball. The weakside wing did not cover for the fullback and Gonzaga alertly kicked into our wide open backfield and got an easy uncontested score. The wings and fullback must work as a unit. If the fullback must come up into a defensive line to cover an overlap; the weakside wing must wheel back to cover.

Bill McDonald (Seamus's dad) advised the team that "The ball is everything, it is the only thing." In our last several matches, the teams were not necessarily superior to ours in terms of talent - but they did win the majority of loose balls. Possession of the ball is key to winning. If you don't have the ball, you cannot score. If the other team does not have the ball, they cannot score. While everyone is responsible for gaining possession of the ball, this is a primary function of the forwards. Win line-outs, we have possession. Win scrums, we have possession. Win the rucks, we have possession. Pick up the loose ball we have possession. Too many times our forwards are not in position to go after the ball. Likewise players running with the the ball lost possession of the ball for the team by making low percentage, "no look" passes; getting pushed out of bounds istead of working the ball to the center when running out of field; running into contact instead of running to space and passing before contact so that the supporting player has room to run.

Another opportunity to gain possession is on kick offs - we had nice high short kicks, back row would run down; but instead of challenging for possession for the ball would slow down and allow the opponent to catch the ball. Conversely, we gave up a score early in the second half due to a player knocking on the kick off - we were pinned down in our half and they scored very early.

Another area that continues to be a problem is communications between the forwards and backs. We are playing as two separate units - not as one team. Until we play as a team, we are not going to score like we are capable of. This is leading to individual players trying to do it all. Tucking the ball under the arm and trying to score rarely works and many times leads to loss of possession if the runner has run away from his support. In the open field, we need to be prepared to pass - but this requires support. If you don't have the ball, you need to get in position to take the pass and let the runner know that you are there. Too many times, we had runners going downfield with the rest of the team trotting after admiring their teammate. Our player is tackled and Gonzaga would win possession of the ball. Support the runner, be there, tell the runner you are there, pass the ball so we score.

Another area that needs improvement is our team composure. Players contesting the referees calls hurts the team. The referee is not going to change his mind about the call; but also makes it less likely that he will give us the benefit of the doubt if a questionable call comes up. In rugby there is one referee, sometimes assisted by assistant referees running touch. The only person that should be talking to the referee is the captain unless the referee addresses you directly. We also had some arguing between players; this has to stop. This happened several times during the match between different players. It creates a distraction for the player being yelled at so they are no longer focused on what is going to happen - instead they are thinking of whatever mistake led to the chastisement - we all need to be supportive of each other. You rarely see winning teams arguing among themselves; we are NOT losers.

A couple players advised that they were getting conflicting instructions from the coaches on the sideline. In rugby, decision-making is made on the pitch. It is not a staccato game like gridiron football where there is a stoppage every 5-10 seconds and up to 40 seconds between plays allowing coaches to send in plays. 90% of a coaches job is over by kick off. Now of course, myself and the other coaches get excited and see some things that should be adjusted such as positioning on defense or attack - but really, the decision-making needs to be made by you on the pitch. If ever in doubt, Head Coach Jean-Louis is the final word - best to ask him a question during half time or any stoppage of play. We're still going to be yelling encouragement and advice but stay focused on the game and not the sideline.

CAVEAT: this is one coaches viewpoint. Other coaches and some of our parents who are experienced rugby players may have other opinions. Take it all in. Continue to improve.