Coach’s Corner: SaberCats vs. San Diego Legion

Saturday’s match was, in my opinion, why Major League Rugby is here to stay and gaining such traction with new fans to our game. There was commitment and physicality by the bucket-load, skill and enterprise on display, and the game was nip and tuck with the result undecided until the final whistle. In the end, the result did not go our way however, the effort levels were faultless.

Currently, we find ourselves deep in a mire of injuries, and just like pre-round #1 against Austin, I have been hugely impressed with the manner in which these men have worked to put themselves in the best possible position to compete. We went into Saturday’s match against one of the pre-season favorites, confident if we could get our details right, we would be there or there about.

I felt our first half display was good. We managed position extremely well, playing the game in the Legion end and forcing them onto the back foot where we could mix our game around with strong forward carriers, some piercing backs runs, and via the boot of Murphy and Windsor. This was backed up by a strong defensive performance that had us leaving the first half leading 13-3. In terms of the battle for field position, it was alas a game of two halves with the second half proving difficult for us to exit efficiently from our own end and allowing the Legion to build up the pressure. Deep into the final 10 minutes of the match, the persistence of the Legion provided a seam in our defense, and with one big play, the game was gone.

Overall plenty can be taken from this result and the lessons gleaned will help our young players grow and develop. Onwards and upwards to welcoming the Toronto Arrows to Houston in less than two weeks. Go Cats Go!

Justin M. Fitzpatrick

Head Coach

Match Photos: Here