“NWBL: S8 - FA Cup Round #4

A tough game, and the outcome was never in doubt, facing off against a superior team steered by a superior coach.


Learnings


1. TREE

The tree with pro skill was used superbly. I had thoughts of trying to clog it up with a lino, but after losing 2 players on LOS we could not do so.

I think the strategy of getting in the way was correct, although unsuccessful. We don't have the MA to be able to adjust to any changes from opponent.

I don't really know what to do in this particular scenario, to be honest. Seems unstoppable, especially when doen on strength, numbers and speed.


2. CRUNCH

Our opponent crunched us on the sideline perfectly. We could not compete with the speed or guard, and allowed 1db to be played on us.

This resulted in us being stalled up, and failing critical dodges, which is never a scenario to be in with low AG team.

Perhaps we would have done better to space out, but the tree in the middle gave us concern.


3. PLAN

Perhaps our biggest mistake is not planning for this tournament. We had thoughts that it would be against other league teams, but we face monster TV teams.

So now we know, best to build a tournament team separately, and keep low TV teams for league. Learning curve.


Summary

In the end, there was little we could do.

Our best attribute of AV did not count, nor were we able to play to some kind of bash due to being out guarded.

Great play by our opponent to use the combo of tree strength, guard for bash removal and control of space.”