Before the sun fades away on the last weekend. I have to say that BSHS in its drumming by NC in the trial last week was not completely bad for SH. Six yr 11's took the field whilst tried and tested players were dropped for the exercise. Probably a unnecessary exercise if you're looking for your best 15 with limited outings before the season proper. SH did score some good tries off the back of promising forward play and almost a third. Their forwards displayed some aggressive progress packed with a small core of 3 or 4 yr12's that consistently displayed sound skills to the detriment of the NC pack runners, who were forced to run wide into the SH backs, easy pickings for seasoned runners. SH's hapless defense in the backs was hindered by fundamental errors like failing to tackle around the legs and stop the run and momentum. Of course NC class in the backs goes without saying. Some good stuff went on there, beautiful to watch.
Its worth mentioning however that NC tries came through the SH backs and not the SH forwards until fatique and demoralisation set in. Three tries in the dying minutes of the game will do nothing to convince any opposition that they have anything to fear from BSHS this year. More importantly the loss will do nothing to inspire SH players to aspire to greater heights. But this shouldnt be confused with a prevailing view that BSHS doesn't have the players. They do. Some very good tried and tested palyers of quality and sound skill. At least for this year. I can't speak for 2013.
Several factors are involved here. State High has the players to combine a formidable 15 this year make no mistake. Without mentioning names, several have achieved rugby at Qld level in past years and again this year. In the last 3 years SH has retained enough players to maintain a high standard, and last years result should not even be considered a lowly achievement and we all know where they were there. So whats up with BSHS? If you have the players then whats the difference when it comes to performance? Recruitment issues aside.
In a word 'morale'; Totalitarianism or egalitarianism are phrases not taught on the rugby pitch by a coaching regime. A vicarious system of punishment is neither understood by those who are just used to playing the game at a hard and fast pace. Players don't differentiate they just react. The environment has not suited all players of a high standard, looking for honours denied them in previous years in this their last year of High School and consequently resignations and re-signings with other schools have been the prefered option for some. Having played second string to the BSHS dream-team for 3 years, the feeling that this is their time now, has not been afforded them. Talent skill and ability appears to have been sacrificed for attitude, regardless of pultry indiscretions. What is needed here is morale. If BSHS is to show spirit this year in the score line they will have to deal with their demons inbetween games between the people that matter. If nothing progresses there? ... the poisoned chalice is handed down for another year.
However a great loss it has been to SH 1st 15, there are many remaining that can fill the bill. Big shoes to step up to for some, already there for others. The hope is that talent skill and proven ability is not sacrificed for attitude to the point that less equipped players are fielded just to prove a point. The top ranked BSHS players (again I'm not naming them) some would describe as inconspicuous in the GPS arena, but well lauded in the grade game at all levels. For whatever reason they may not be household GPS names belies the presence they make against the names that are, in the GPS round robins. Their stats are high, the work rate is exceptional ... they just don't have trumpets blowing to announce their presence, but they do a great job. They probably need more recognition at the local level for what they do, for it will inspire more from them during the season.
If BSHS are to do better this year, the fundamentals need to be addressed. The forwards will only be able to do so much if the backs cannot match them for skill and work rate. SH had a good forward platform to set up their backs, but inexperience, untried and untested players failed to utilise the feed in the trial game. This should not be viewed as the mainstay or the execution for an entire season, for things can surely change from game one (hopefully) if they're players are in a good head space at seasons start. Lets hope they are. And lets hope they get their opportunities.
