Walsall RFC Ltd

In all forms of competitions it can be said "you'll win some" and "you'll lose some" but our loss on Saturday was, to say the least, disappointing both for players and supporters alike.

Once again, though cold and crisp, the conditions were reasonable for the game to be played.  Our team sheet looked strong despite more changes being made as a result of injuries.  Long Eaton being an unknown were "A wait and see!"

As Long Eaton took to the pitch I was a little surprised at the physique of the team.  They were all of a similar height - tall and half of them were well built.

From the kick off we were lively, in open play we moved the ball well and our pack were dominant on many occasions.  It appeared we were more than a match for the league leaders.  Making the most of early opportunities Ben Pitt kicked us into an early lead. Unfortunately, before hal time Long Eaton benefitted from a scrum within reach of our try line and their pack of heavyweights pushed over for a try.

Unfortunately this push over exposed our 'Achillies Heel', our inability to defend a mass push within our twenty-two.  Long Eaton punished us at every opportunity, with kicks to touch and tap penalties to gain ground and push over a 4 try tally.  Walsall's well worked try saw us at 16 points to 19 and had we managed to stay at this point we would have, at least, got a desered losing bonus point.  Howevere, a Long Eaton tap penalty followed by a Tsunami of chunky forwards resulted in a push over fourth try ending the game 16 - 26

Hopefully our players will look upon thtis game as "One you'll lose" but on the return fixture we wil learn from th experience and make it "One you'll win"!