A test of character

28 aug 2024 0 kommentarer

Power struggle

With sunshine in your eyes, supporters in the stands and an almost full bench it’s impossible to be anything else than optimistic! The previous game against Exiles (a 91-0 loss at Gubbängen in May) was still in fresh memory for most players on the pitch but, lo and behold, it turns out you can let go of some old shit and not let it hold you back! The Saturday squad sported a noteworthy comeback in long term absentee Maja Hedengren, plus a debutant in Amanda Orpana, both having a good day on the field.

The first half was a fine display of defense against a good team. Uppsala Berserkers pushed up hard, covered for each other in tackles and over all kept the scores decently low. Flanker for the day Ava Feghhi was everywhere! Forwards were certainly put to the test in line outs and scrums, two areas where the Exiles pack were strong and experienced. In the second half the home team were maybe slightly more aggressive, competing for ball in Exiles’ rucks and mauls and coming away with a fair few ball steals. Players decided to have a go at kick throughs, pick and go’s or counter rucking; all in all there was more attack time and more creativity in using it. Inevitably, the team also got tired and constant rotation of players off the bench meant confusion ensued here and there. Exiles scored a few more tries and eventually won 66-0 – an improvement since last time round.

The whole game was a definite test of character. We let in points (obviously more than we’d like), but we never got deterred from doing our job on the pitch: keeping structure, moving ball and pushing in defense. Player of the match was fullback Liv Sixtensson, who spent the day cleaning up a lot in the back field and attacked with some great lines!

/ Josefin

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