Ulster's
CEO Mike Reid stated last week that the
Ulster Branch was going to conduct a world wide search
for a new coach. The money would be better spent conducting
a world wide search for a world class front five forward,
either at tighthead or, preferably, in the second row.
We need someone to stand up and rally the pack when the
going gets tough as this is something that has been missing
this year.
On this performance it is hard to criticize
anyone individually for not putting in effort and for
the first half the front five gave as good as they got.
In attack the backs looked sharp and were as threatening
as any other back line over the weekend. It was when they
sat back and let Bourgoin come on to them that their frailty
showed.
Paddy Wallace was superb in attack throughout
the first half and he, in particular has been taking a
disproportionate amount of flack for missing a couple
of tackles in the second. Paddy has probably had one of
the highest tackle counts over the last couple of games
but, sadly, it is inevitable that he's going to miss a
few. It's unfortunate for Paddy that his misses were followed
by a Bart miss for the first Bourgoin try and Tommy and
Andrew misses for the second. Believe it or not, having
watched most of the televised action over the weekend,
there were missed tackles in all the matches so Ulster
are not alone in this department. Where Ulster seem to
differ from the better (i.e. winning) teams is that they
invariably go through a period where they invite the opposition
onto them and then they have difficulty in adjusting this
tactic when things go wrong.
To date it's only been Humphreys' talismanic
performance against Leinster that changed this round.
No one in the pack has been able to generate the same
aura and the forward effort, while individually impressive,
lacks that cohesion of a pack working together. It would
be brilliant if one of our own could step up and take
on this leadership role but there appears to be too many
egos butting against each other at times - or perhaps
it's over familiarity.
It may be true that a mature coach would
be able to develop a pack leader from the local lads but
would the hyper-critical ticket buying Ulster public give
them time? Recent events suggest probably not, without
results. (Personally, I don't think
a year or so in the Challenge Cup would do us any harm.
There are some good teams in this competition and there
are some cracking trips.) So
Mike, if you want to keep the baying Ulster crowd happy
I suggest you divert your efforts towards a player rather
than a coach!
FRU Man of the Match
goes to the ever reliable Roger Wilson
who maintained his effort over 80 minutes.
Good to see Paul back after his injury
scare, lets hope he can keep his head out of harms way
for the remainder of the season!
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Holiday 2007!
There
has been much, well in truth some, speculation as to the
holiday destination of that renowned ''citizen of
the world'' and liberal thinker, Fokbaik.
Just where would this erudite and reflective soul chose
to spend his hard earned free time and cash? Would he
chose to visit the ''Cradle
of the Renaissance" in Florence?
Would he wish to go even further back
and walk the streets where his beloved democratic principles
were first
born and nurtured?
No, none of these wonderful destinations appealed to the
tyro of the Messageboard! Indeed, given his pivotal role
in the defence of all things ''right and proper''
in Ulster, it is hardly surprising that the FRU can exclusively
reveal that ''Fokbaik'' decided to holiday
in his beloved Province, in the constituency of our
esteemed First Minister so he can be on hand if ''the
Big Man'' needs any advice!
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News
from the Colonies
In
a hard fought final, the University of
Minnesota-Duluth defeated the UW-Milwaukee Lady Panthers
38-12 to capture the Midwest Division II Championship.
The Lady Panthers knew that they would be out-sized by
the Minnesota-Duluth forwards. However, Duluth was able
to execute their game plan and keep the ball with the
forwards, and the Lady Panthers, although showing some
moments of brilliance in forward play, were never able
to establish enough turnover ball to utilize their backline
effectively.
With the Panthers' only loss this season (to a collegiate
side) coming in the Midwest Division II Championship Match,
the Lady Panthers can be proud of how far they've come
and how well they played. After the match, while talking
to this exceptional group of athletes, I saw neither dejection
nor defeated spirit, but resolute determination. This
loss hurts. But this is not a group of women to hang their
heads after a defeat. This is a group that will redouble
their efforts to improve.
Match Recap (from the Front Row Union):
9:55amFive minutes to go. It's 16C (60 F) overcast with
a moderate breeze. 10:08amMatch has just kicked off
a little late. 10:20amScore is 7 - 5 to The Panthers
Biedenbender try, Gill
converts. 10:22amDuluth get a second Panthers
are down 7 - 10. 10:29am Panthers are under pressure
they are now down 7 -17. Is this a game too far? 10:35amPanthers continue to defend.
Can they hold on and tire out their bigger opponents? 10:48amHalf Time. The gutsy
Panthers are still hanging in there. Lets see if the Coaches
can inspire them for a second half comeback. 10:59amThe second half has just
started with Martin putting Ney
through for a try. The Panthers are back 12 - 17. 11:08amDuluth get a penalty. Panthers
need two scores at 12 - 20. 11:11amDuluth get another try. Can
the Panthers hold on for a last quarter blitz? Score 12
- 25 11:19amPanthers still holding on
as we move into the final quarter. Have they anything
left? 11:26amAnother penalty to Duluth.
12 - 28 and one of the Panthers is carded. 11:28amIt looks like the brave Panther's
run has come to an end as Duluth go over for another try.
The Score is now 12 - 33. 11:36amIt looks as time is going
to run out. Score still 12 -33. 11:38amDespite brave defence from
the Panthers Duluth get another try. Score now 12 - 38. 11:42am Full Time. It's all over with the
Panthers losing 12 - 38. The coaches must be sacked. (Oops thought I was at
the Ulster game there!) Thanks to Suzanne and Maggie for
their help with the live text coverage. Hope everyone
enjoyed it.
En route to the final, Minnesota-Duluth
defeated National #6 Ranked (via erugbynews.com) Grand
Valley State University 17-13 in the Midwest Semifinal.
The Lady Panthers defeated National #3 Ranked (via erugbynews.com)
Bowling Green State University 32-24 in OT in their Semifinal.
The Lady Panthers would like to extend their congratulations
to Minnesota-Duluth on an excellent match and their ensuing
trip to the USA Rugby National Tournament this spring.
Minnesota-Duluth played some excellent rugby and we wish
them the best on luck in their quest for a National Title.
The Lady Panthers will be idle (but in training) until
their Tour of Ireland in January 2008.
Their scheduled matches (tentative dates) are:
January 11 or 13: Armagh Women (Armagh,
N. I.)
January 15: Carrickfergus Women (Belfast, N. I.)
January 17: Ulster Women's Inter-Provincial Squad (Belfast,
NI) Ed: Keep you eye on The
FRU for match details.
We would like to thank everyone for their
support of the Lady Panthers throughout the season. It
has made a tremendous impact on the players and the program.
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This weeks highest scorer is Bruised Plums who
got the Harlequins v Cardiff draw.
Week 11. Magners League
Weekend Friday 23rd November 2007.
Ospreys v Leinster
Connacht v Ulster
Warriors v Blues
Munster v Dragons
Edinburgh v Scarlets
Predictions to be in by 6:00pm Friday 23rd November 2007.
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