Brock was at home for the 2nd week in a row and played before a crowd of about 60 at the Blackwater corral. For the 2nd week in a row, the team had a full compliment of 22 players on the game sheet (with 3 additional players available). This bodes well for the future. If we can get the numbers up a bit more, we can arrange some additional games and put ourselves into a positive position to take the next competitive step and move back into the A division next year (provided we take care of business on the field next year).

The team started off with a flurry, playing the best 25 minutes of Rugby seen in these parts for some time, scoring 3 unanswered tries (with two converts). Tries by Pat Kennedy, Scott Sime, and Ted Regich with converts by Scott Sime and Scott Bond saw the home team take an early 19-0 lead. All three of these tries were team efforts with multiple phases of play, good off loads, and lots of support.

Then the wheels fell off the bus. Very poor mental focus allowed the other team to jump right back into the game scoring 2 quick tries (both converted) from quick tap penalties with Brock not hustling back quickly and setting up their defense. Neither player was touched as they ran in about 25 meters to score under the posts. The 3rd try came from a poor up and under kick (from inside our 22) which was easily caught by the fullback. The kick was not the challenges that occurred when the team did not follow it up and apply some pressure and allowed the fullback to stroll over our goal line and touch down close to the posts. Try converted and all of a sudden (inside 10 minutes), Brock is losing 21-19.

Half time could not come soon enough. 5 changes at the half and a reminder to get our mental focus or Brock was in danger of losing the game. Brock carried most of the play in the 2nd half; however it was very sloppy effort. The opposition tried to slow the game down and was constantly offside (and fringing) at breakdowns, however the team did not respond well. We allowed the opposition to get under our skin, got away form playing our game and played their game instead. Multiple stoppages of play (by the referee) from pushing/shoving after the whistle stopped Brock getting into the flow it had in the first 20 minutes.

A try by Ted Regich about 20 minutes into the half (converted by Scott Bond) put the home team up 26-21 and gave the men in white some breathing space, but the outcome was still in doubt. One mistake and the Buccaneers had the ability through their Fly Half and Fullback to capitalize from deep. The balance of the game was very sloppy with Brock getting 2 yellow cards (Gunnar, Jeff Brethour) playing short for ½ the time. A late penalty kick (taken with a drop goal) by Scott Sime finished the scoring and settled the outcome with Brock coming away with a 29-21 win.

The forwards continued the strong play and are showing some very strong early season form. This was combined with some strong running and penetration from the back line and generally overall solid support play, good rucking and generally good defense (excepting the mental mistakes).

There is, however, a great deal of work to be done on the mental and discipline aspects of the game. There is far too much chatting with the other tem, far too much shoving and pushing after whistles and far too many mental lapses during the game. We must play Brock Rugby and disregard what the other team is doing, not allow the other team to dictate the type and/or pace of the game. Every player must apply his own discipline and mental focus when on the field. This challenge could easily be the difference between being a championship team and finishing in 2nd or 3rd place.

Coach