Bournville Forwards Coach CJ Osazuwa was left frustrated by a malfunctioning set piece which contributed to a 24-17 defeat at Bridgnorth in Regional One Midlands.
Bourns managed to improve their scrum in the second-half at the Edgar Davies Ground but the lineout creaked all afternoon which meant hard-won territory and possession went unrewarded.
“When you lose a game like that there are loads of things you can try to pin it on,” Osazuwa said.
“In the first half Bridgnorth had dominance in the set piece. Their scrum was strong in the first-half. I still think we had the stronger scrum and we showed that with the way we started in the second half.
“So, we showed what we could do there What we never really showed was our lineout which was really, really poor. We couldn’t secure ball. If you can’t secure ball in set piece then you have no platform to work off.”
The lack of quality possession meant that Bourns also lost the tactical battle as they were unable to play at tempo while Bridgnorth relished a tight, no-frills game.
“The biggest frustration was the speed we played at. Bridgnorth are probably the best team in this league at playing at that pace, set piece to set piece, really tight carries, lots of dominance and their 10 and 12 are phenomenal kickers. Any team is going to play well in front of or behind that,” Osazuwa said.
“But we just let them play that pace and set piece to set piece and kicks to the corner. If we play with the tempo we have played all through pre-season I don’t think anyone can live with us.
“But Bridgnorth played their game really well and they deserved their win because they played to their strengths and we didn’t.”
Despite having limited attacking opportunities full-back Mauro Miller impressed and wing Cam Smith, who has arrived from Birmingham Moseley, was unfortunate to be denied a try on debut when Bridgnorth’s touch judge ruled that he had put a foot in touch.
“I was talking to a friend afterwards and he said that Cam didn’t get enough ball and I agree. I think he only got the ball two or three times. If we can make sure we are using all parts of the pitch and our strong players, which he is going to grow into, then he is going to be a real asset in this league,” Osazuwa said.
