In the last two weeks PJF have come out on the wrong side of the score board against local rivals. The week before last so a very close fought encounter with O Cats, who currently sit at the top of the league. The difference between the two sidesbeing two penalties scored by O Cats in the second half.PJF put up an excellent show but couldn't quite find the right keys to open the 'Cat flap for the third timein the afternoon. It was one of the best performances of the season and PJF can consider themselves unlucky to only come away with one bonus point.
This week PJF travelled to Chipstead. Storm Bert was holding sway and the afternoon was miserable. Drizzley rain and a blustery wind and a soggy pitch. Some would say perfect conditions for rugby, but PJF didn't look up for it in the first half and Chipsted were able to get themselves a 12-0 lead going into half time. The second half saw PJF playing down the slope and with the wind at their backs. The performance did improve slightly, but it was still rather disjointed with scoring opportunities being squandered. PJF managed to score a converted try with about 15 minutes remaining but couldn't find a way over for the second score. The side achieved a second losing point in two weeks against local rivals. Part of the the issue in the Chipstead game was that he team didn't stick to a game plan and didn't adapt ot the conditions well. Too many player were happy to watch the ball carrier go into contact before reacting to the situation, at which point all momentum was lost. The players have all the requisite skills, but they do need to use them as a team. If they did that PJF would become very hard to beat. It is frustrating when you can see that small adjustments could significantly change the outcomes they are currently achieving. PJF can improve significantly by thinking about the role of each team member and put in the extra work needed to unify all the endeavour into true team effort.
Next week, Saturday, November 30th, there is no league game for the first team. There will be rugby at the Pightle as the vets are scheduled to be playing. The following weekend PJF welcome Whitgiftians to the Pightle with kick of at 2.00pm. WEe look forward to seeing you then.