Match Analysis vs Whitechurch

Monday afternoons don’t get much better than a trip into Welsh territory to face Sam Warburtons old school, Whitechurch. Our hosts got the game underway and pilled on the pressure. In wet slippery conditions, Tommies faulted with ball in hand and subsequently were forced to defend for the first 10 minutes. The Blue Army held firm and I was proud of the organisation and commitment in defence. Tommies eventually worked their way into Whitechurch territory and O’Neill wanted to get his side on the front foot, taking a quick tap from a penalty and injecting pace into the play. Tommies were now metres from the Whitechuch try line and Yemm pounced, powerfully sniping from close range. Fenton added a smart conversion and Tommies led 0-7.

The remainder of the second half was played inside the Tommies 22. The boys in blue and gold worked hard in defence and forced numerous turnovers, but we were then wasteful in possession. Wave after wave of Whitchurch attack came and eventually the pressure proved too much. Heading into the half time break, the score now read 7-7.

After a change of tactics at half time, Tommies were immense in the early parts of the second half. Harper and Yemm were instrumental upfront, carrying powerfully around the fringes of the breakdown. Short sharp bursts of explosive power, saw Tommies get over the gain line with every carry, causing Whitechurch to scramble in defence. Carvajal sensed an opportunity and broke through the line. It looked as though he would go all the way but was brought down metres before the try line. Yemm was on hand to punce once again and finished smartly. Fenton added the extras and Tommies now led by 7.

It was more of the same from the resulting kick off. Tommies were clean and precise at the breakdown and continued to rumble up front. Harper exploded through a Whitechurch guard and rampaged into their half. Davidson was in support, and he continued the charge with another powerful carry before Glazier snipped and fell inches short of the Whitechurch line. Fenton demanded the ball and O’Neill fired the ball wide. Carvajal cut a lovely line off Fenton’s shoulder and blitzed through a gap to finish an exceptional team try. An excellent example of earning the right to play and generating front foot ball!

Whitechurch responded well to this Tommies onslaught and spotted some space down the blindside. Tommies had overcommitted on the openside and were subsequently outnumbered. Whitechurch finished smartly and were well and truly back in the game. Tommies wouldn’t be denied a fourth win of the season and Harper continued to smash through Whitechurch defenders up front. Miller supplied some excellent carries out wide and Glazier added the finishing touches, bumping his way over to secure the Gloucester boys at 12-26 win.

I rarely nominate more than one of Man of the Match, but on this occasion, I have decided to mention three. Yemm was excellent upfront, and his two scores epitomised his intelligent rugby brain, matched alongside some brut force! Harper was the catalyst upfront and constantly put his side on the front foot whilst Carvajal made a huge impact off the bench carrying powerfully over countless defenders.

All roads now lead to Dean Close at the weekend!

Skills/Inspiration

Something a bit different this week boys – How good is your Goose Step!!!

Rugby's Filthiest Goose Steps - YouTube