Simplicity key to Blues form
MACCLESFIELD Rugby Union head coach Giles Heagerty was left frustrated after his team’s 37-14 defeat to Coventry on Saturday.
The Blues started the game well but lost the momentum and were eventually beaten, and Heagerty thinks they need to improve.
“Although we started off well, I think the whole group was left collectively frustrated at the end of the game,” he said.
“We came out of the traps quickly, scored a well-worked try and defended a couple of sets. We looked like we were in pretty good order.
“Then we made a couple of errors and gave two penalties away, and Coventry were able to take advantage of those lapses and score a try. Although I was disappointed to have done that I still thought we were still well in the game.
“We just made a series of errors, like a kick that doesn’t go 10 from the restart or giving away a needless penalty, and we just started handing possession over far too easily.
“When those things happened I just got the sense that we were just trying to do too much and force the play. I understand why the players were doing this; but when you try too hard you’re liable to make mistakes.
“I think had we been able to keep things simple, we might’ve fared much better. Would that have made a difference to the result? Impossible to say really, but I think we certainly would’ve been good enough for a couple of extra scores.”
Up next for Macc is a match against Hull, and Heagerty is hoping to see some differences this weekend.
“I think what we have to do is develop a short term memory for a start. So forget what happened last weekend against Coventry, and start afresh against Hull,” he said.
“We’ve got a job to do, and we know that if we can stay focused we have the ability to do that job well. When we get opportunities we need to be clinical, and we simply can’t afford to spurn any chances we get.
“We may have lost last weekend, but we did some good stuff. Our defence stood up very well against a big, well-organised side, and that should give us
‘What cost us wasn’t missed tackles or opportunities; it was trying too hard’
confidence going into the game.
“Our attack is very threatening when we manage to hold on to the ball too. What cost us last weekend wasn’t missed tackles or wasted attacking opportunities; it was trying too hard.
“If we can play a simpler game and not try to think two or three phases ahead in open play, along with sharpening up the detail and enjoying our game a bit more, I think we should be ok on Saturday.”