Poly 7s vs Winchmore Hill 7s
AFA Junior Novets Cup
21 September
Lost 4-0. But the score line isn’t the story, It’s the improvement of the mindset of the team.
First of all we had 14 players to travel to Chiswick, yes that’s right Chiswick. Now the team would struggle before getting 12 to go EBOGS, showing a willingness and sacrifice to be part of something from players.
The game itself was really a stubborn but disciplined performance from ourselves. Beaten by a wonder goal first of all then a lucky second goal. They were faster and fitter then us but we were together playing against a far better team. Playing some nice football at times and attacking them till the end and then they got their final 2 in the last 15 minutes due to fatigue on our half. And Iain Marshall made some beautiful saves which has to be mentioned.
I have never said well done after a loss, I always felt that’s was an unacceptable thing to say after a such a thing. But we played against teams like these last season and we lost by a cricket score sometimes and players gave up before they even put on their boots.
Sitting on the sidelines most of the game handing over the captaincy to Roshane Webber for the day giving other players the responsibility to be a leader on the pitch for the team, I saw a lot of promise. I saw 7 players step up and lead the team against quality opposition. Keep in mind this is week 2 of our new way of doing things.
Where as last season there was a lot of finger pointing and lack of taking responsibility themselves. And I saw that in their eyes and body language as soon as I said “well done.” They looked angry with me, confused probably even thought this guys doesn’t know what his talking about.
But that’s ok because it’s the bigger picture I’m looking at and all I need the team to do right now is focus on the day. But they had the look in their eye’s of disappointment after the game, like they felt they deserved something from the game and they really did.
This season I feel that this team and myself included want to redeem ourselves and put things right. Every player with a different reason some to prove me wrong maybe even themselves, and even for the club. Wearing the shirt every Saturday and wanting to put things right especially as it’s our centenary year making it even more special.
I have full confidence in this squad this season and it’s great to see them coming together, looking forward to the final result.