PJF well beaten by Reeds

On occasions PJF come up against a side that is just better than them. That happened on Saturday, November 4th. Reeds visited the Pightle undefeated in the league. PJF were up for the challenge. Reed started with the wind and the slight slope and it didn't take long to show why they have swept all before them. Three tries in the first 15minutes of very accurate rugby with perfectly executed miss moves unleashing their highly talented wings. PJF were 17 points down before they got on the score board. At 17 - 3 the pressure form Reeds did not let up and they got a further two tries in the half. PJF turned around 31-3 down.

Stern and encouraging words were said at half time and PJF came out in the second half re energised. After a period of driving play PJF managed to cross the white wash and the extra points were taken, PJF were down 31-8 but not out. Several opportunities went begging with Nick Owen coming close. But Reeds defence was almost as good as their attack and the stripped PJF in the tackle on several occasions. Reeds who had already had to replace a member of their front row through a knock to the head lost a second member of their front row. The original prop returning to the fray having had a head injury assessment. But 15 minutes into the half the returning prop took another knock on the head and had to leave the field a second time. Uncontested scrums was just the thing that PJF did not want. Although Reeds had to go down to 14 men it took any momentum PJF could create from the pack's efforts in the set piece out of the game. Although PJF battled valiantly they didn't really have any answer to Reeds pace and a further 3 tries from Reeds saw them run out 52 - 8 victors.

The score doesn't tell the whole story of this game however. PJFs front row had another good game and Joe Dwyer tackled himself to a standstill in a game that was played at pace and was very physical. John Osborne, returning from injury had a magnificent game and was rightly named PJFs man of the match. PJF battled the full 80 minutes but just could not compete with Reeds backs who hit the gain line at pace and with accuracy and creativity. PJF's defensive line must learn to defend on the gain line rather than 5 metres behind it as it gives the opposition backs time and space to work in. Reeds were very well drilled, attacking various points of the PJF line and whilst the centre held it was at the price of leaving space out wide, and Reeds wings did not need any further encouragement to capitalise on the room. All bar one of their 8 tries coming from out wide. PJFs attacking options were ponderous by comparison. However the positives that came from the game came from the performance of individuals, the huge effort put in by the whole team and the disappointment of the players in the gulf between the two teams and the desire to close the gap. On Saturday PJF came across the best all round side they have met in five years. PJF will have learnt a lot from this encounter and the club needs to use the lessons to move on to the next level. PJF has the talent it is now about forging the talent into a well oiled team that can compete with the best.