Fort Hunt was very aggressive in the opening minutes of the game and scored twice before 7 minutes had elapsed. These scores were achieved by basically “keep away” – if you don’t possess the ball, you can’t score. Eventually, we were over committed to the rucks or mauls and they swung the ball out wide eventually getting it to a speedy wing isolated one on one with our backs. We contributed to the effort by very poor tackling. Poor tracking allowed their ball carriers to juke our players; getting the would-be tackler’s hips to get turned back so the only recourse was a desperation lunge and grab at the runner’s jersey but more often air.

We also lost some balls due to players getting tackled and any supporting player too late to either clear or protect the ball. Once the supporting player arrived, they were getting blown out and Fort Hunt would have an easy poach. On the other hand, we were rarely able to push their protecting players off of their rucks – which meant Fort Hunt dominated possession for most of the first half.

It was not all Fort Hunt’s game; the Exiles were there to play and fought hard and had several nice movements which got the ball near are try line. A succession of pick and goes bore fruit as second row Max Cohen powered the ball in midway through the half making it 7-12. Near the end of the half several Fort Hunt Penalties had us working some tap & goes – we were advancing but it took too long to tap giving Fort Hunt just enough breathing room to escape the half with the lead.

The second half started with the Exiles asleep as Fort Hunt scored a quick try within the first two minutes. Another try around the 10-minute mark and it looked like a rout might be coming but the Exiles kept coming and notched two scores for themselves. Aiden Perrenoud crashed through for a score and then alumni Jacque La Fonta had an electrifying 40 meter score untouched- he still has a little speed! Time ran out before we could catch up, final being 17-26.

We have a couple very good tacklers on the team – but everyone needs to be a good tackler. This is an area that has bitten us several times. Archie Cullen posted a good video on the team’s private Facebook group that everyone should check out. It is not how hard you hit; it is using proper technique that is the key. We also need to work on the decision making and positioning when supporting a tackled teammate. Good effort by the team; finished strong against a very good team.

I did not have a chance to see the end of the game - so if any factual errors let me know.