Disappointment for PJF in New Malden

On a soggy afternoon in New Malden PJF fought valiantly but go down to Law Society. PJF were always going to have to play catch up rugby having conceded a try in the first 5 minutes when Law Society battered their way over the PJF line. However PJF struck back quickly with a good try well taken by Mark Trumper. This was followed by a penalty from Law Society. The next score also went to the Law Society when their big centre took advantage of a slight defensive misalignment. The extra points were also taken The next score came from PJF, chasing a kick ahead the Law Society full back failed to touch down to the satisfaction of the referee and the PJF follow up dabbed the ball down for the simplest of scores. This was followed by an intercepted score when the Law Society centre intercepted a pass 15m out from the PJF line. The conversion was made and this was followed by a penalty. At halftime Law Society were 25-10 up. The score actually flattered them.

The second half saw PJF back on the attack and a good try was scored fairly quickly squaring up the try account. Without a recognised kicker PJF were not able to claim the extra points. Having fought their way back into the game Law Society were allowed to go over for a simple try, the kick was missed. PJF fought back again and scored another good try from sterling work by the forwards who battled all afternoon without conceding ground to the Law. Again the kick was missed. At 10 points behind PJF tried to force the game to get back on terms but in the wet weather passes did not always go to hand and this allwed Law Society to snatch another three tries two of which were converted. PJF players were very disappointed with their performance but there were many positive points from the performance.

The forwards played really well giving as good as they got. A slightly unfamiliar backs line struggled to attain the accuracy they needed to land the telling blows. But even in the backs there were some good performances. The two wings, Josh Stone and Fiifi Adjaye looked threatening even on the limited supply of ball that made it out to the wings. Luke Couchman contributed his usual try per game and Luke put in a good shift defensively. Mark Trumper had a sound game at full back. Whilst PJF can feel disappointed, they shouldn't feel too down as the final result flattered the Law Society. Law Society were a good side but they are not unbeatable. PJF are suffering from a lack of depth with a number of last years successful side not being available this season either through injury or work commitments. The number one priority for the senior sides is recruitment. We would welcome players who want to play quick, exciting rugby with a group of really talented players who give their all every week. Tough times need tough people and there is no doubt that the current side has loads of ability but we also need to look in the mirror, recognise our weaknesses and put them right. In Rhodri we have a coach who really wants the side to succeed and has the knowledge to help us do exactly that, but we need to use that knowledge so all the lessons are not learnt through bitter experience. Today and everything else that has gone before this season can be consigned to the dustbin of history, but we are still in control of our future!