“A titan of a game, worthy of the RRR. Two 145 middleweights slugging it out.

My opponent smartly receives first. It is good:

- A chance for early chip with MB
- Use of the dirty zombie to gain advantage
- Saving 2nd half re-rolls on defence for use in overtime

The Coach Cathaidan punches LOS well, and protects well. We engage and try to smart for chain push to position more favourably, but Coach Cathaidan is smarter, chain pushing down mummy into assisted foul. We must remember contact is best avoided.

Our advantage of 2x ghoul versus 1 is quickly eliminated, blocked down and foul casualty in 3rd turn. Well played. We feel the snowball gathering speed. We are left little in the way of blocking opportunity and must resort to 1DB.

A bloody turn 4 on defence allowed us to pressure the stall. Numbers advantage and time out event helped us to even the score before half time.

A 2nd half blitz allowed opponent to put big pressure on us.

Learnings:

1) If you engage on defence, you had better have a good reason and a sound plan. Ideally, an advantage of strength, numbers, or both.

Findings:

1) Keeping ball well back and out of reach can be the best way. It worked here, not bringing forward until there was some reasonable safety. We did allow a 36% sack play, but I think it was necessary.

Well played Coach Cathaidan, and good luck for your team. ”