Five matches into the season and no wins. I know how disappointing it is for our program for all the work we put in, practicing three times a week and all.
We are young. Two seniors start, then after that it's a few juniors and eighth graders and a bunch of kids new to rugby. The part that bothers the coaches though are the inconsistencies at training. But this too can be expected, academic and family demands, some job stuff, etc.
I know of no other sport that puts such a premium on experience. It's not the kind of game where you just show up from time to time and are great at it. Timing, confidence and most of all teamwork play into the equation of how well a team does. There are so many moving parts to this violent game that the analogy "full contact chess" really applies.
Last year our only win came against Berkeley Rhinos. On Saturday, a seemingly new Berkeley program rammed it down our throat on our pitch. Berkeley looked like they found 20 new experienced good rugby players. They were big and physical.
We don't have immediate solutions. I know the kids and coaches will just keep working hard.
As a player I have been on my share of great teams and struggling teams. We are trying to teach these kids that regardless of wins and losses that we are a true team and will keep working to improve. The foundation is being laid.
Know what we will do Monday at training? Run sprints all over the park, including up a steep hill I have dubbed "Mt. Soni" after the head coach, and get ready for our match Saturday against Alameda.
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