“A brutal match where we are, understandably, outclassed by a superior opponent.

It was quite nice to watch, actually.

Quick notes to touch on: (1) poor dwarf offence, (2) sensational elf defence, (3) poor decision at critical point on dwarf defence.

Learnings:


1. OFFENCE

I struggle with dwarves. I try to plan out the movement to get within range, but just never made it.

Generous Coach Joost suggests more aggression, in this match up. Base the elves much more aggressively.

I did protect the ball well, and based with left overs, but found myself blocked back off (and losing a dwarf in the process)

This is a weakness of mine- how to base to force dodges, or deny opponent blocks. Will try again in the future.


2) ELF D

Elven defence was lovely to watch. Coach Joost is a true master.

Early pressure was applied, and elves screen off between my ball carrier and team after the deeper kick.

They then create a vice like L shape, denying me space forwards and laterally. It is single players with overlapping tackle zones on side, and column to front.

They keep squeezing me in. I tried basing, but could not get any space. In the end, I was outside of critical distance by T8.

Perhaps I could have put forward a blitzer into critical distance for a hand off. But this still does not solve the problem of penetrating defense.


3) BRAIN... T5

I need a better brain. Silly. Nuffle handed the dwarves a gift on their defence with elven quad skulls, resulting in sack.

We end T4 with ball in hand of our runner, who is blitzed, sacked, and stunned. He was unprotected, but this was best we could do I think...

Anyway, we end up offering a 3+ pick up to an elf, a passer, who picks up ball and throws to catcher to score.

There were ways to put 2 tackle zones on that ball. 3 even, with protection to front and back.

That turn will haunt me. One of those turns where sensational luck is not capitalised on by me.


Summary:

I can take solace in the fact that we were outplayed all game, and this was a deserving result. These RRR are brutal, but good for learning.

If I can learn from the above, then all is worthwhile. Some concepts I can try to apply, others I must work better to understand.”