“The death spiral continues, and our abysmal record with this team, and as a coach in general, continues.

We lose another skilled positional to casualty, and are unable to gain any casualties ourselves. MVP goes to journeyman. I remember a similar start with our human team, which also did not end well.

It is funny, I did feel some dice bias, but also recognised that it was most likely unwarranted. In the end, combined pow and pow/push was 36% to us and 40% to our opponent. Quite even, and unfortunately I cannot blame it for my poor coaching.

So where did we go wrong and what lessons can be learned?

1. FEAR

A common element in my game. In T2 we have opportunity to base the ball. The block away is easy, but if it is not successful then resources must be directed to it.

This left a seam through the middle which my opponent splits easily.

2. RECKLESSNESS

Odd, the opposite of fear perhaps? Actually, the opposite of intelligence. We did not leave a sweeper back, OR position defences accordingly to stop the seam from opening up on defence.

We also did not direct material to simple basing coverage to force blocks or dodges. Forcing dice rolls could have been one strategy. As a result, some simple blocks and pick ups from my opponent create the score, and game is lost.

3. MORE FEAR

I did not throw a LOS frenzy block on T7. My opponent is too smart for me, and set frenzy traps. Still, on a knock down, I would have based some players, forcing more dodges. On a fail, well... no difference? In any case, it did not matter, we could not stop the re positioning and column defence.

So.... what of it?

I think I need to be more careful in my defence. Setting defensive line, keeping some material in reserve. We were too easily split and our opponent stalled comfortably whilst taking blocks and removing our players at will. It is a dangerous position to be in.

Oh, and a stupid 2db into -2db. Frenzy trap, hoping for pow, instead we get skulled. Don't do that again. ”