DOUGLAS v TRENTHAM

It is one of those happy coincidences that in the week the first energy from wind farm is opened in the UK, Douglas hope to harness the support of their “old farts” as they take on Trentham and aim to return to winning ways. There will now be a brief interlude whilst you all make up your own jokes.  

Douglas’s form has slipped recently as having started the season strongly losing only one of their first six matches they have now slipped to three consecutive defeats. Two of these though have been to the top two sides in the league and in all three matches they had their chances to win. It is simply a case that they have not taken them. Last week was a classic example as they were leading Manchester Wanderers who have not lost all season with twenty minutes to go only to let in three late tries to give the score line a rather unflattering look. 

This week at Port E Chee though Douglas will be looking to rectify this if the weather continues as forecast then possibly in conditions that would see Noah start nipping out to his tool shed then Douglas will be looking for another big pack from their pack. Against Manchester Wanderers to a man the starting eight were magnificent winning all their own ball in the tight whilst causing their opposite numbers all sorts of problems in the scrum. They are finally also beginning to recycling the ball with all the fervour of Greenpeace activists so the presentation at the breakdowns is much improved.  

It is though in the backs that Douglas have struggled recently, especially in attack, and currently they are really missing Gareth Leather’s ability to punch holes up the middle  and suck in defenders. They are also probably a bit static when taking the ball so that they are not committing defenders with the result that when they do spread the ball wide the wingers are out numbered. If they can sort this out then I am sure the tries and confidence will come flooding back. 

I would expect Captain to give a big vote of confidence to the side that played so well against Manchester Wanderers last week with the probable only change being the inclusion of John Ledwidge who was unavailable last week. If this is the case then I am confident Douglas can get back on track against a Trentham side who are nobodies fools but equally they have not set the world alight the season. As I have said so many times this year most of the sides Douglas play they are capable of beating however to do so when Douglas are on top they must take their chances and kill the game off which recently they have failed to do. 

The game is scheduled to kick off at 2.00pm and as it is the last home match before Christmas the club is holding its annual “old farts” reunion day. Accordingly all past players, supporters and friends are invited to attend the post match party or pre match lunch match at 12.45pm where in the grand tradition of things they will be fleeced for any of the folding stuff that has not been eaten by the moths in their wallets.

Gethin Taylor