What the??? Mines had its first loss against the Denver Harlequins. The team was outplayed in the forwards by a team that was technically better in the breakdown. The Harlequins also played a smarter territory game taking full advantage of the wind in the first half. Mines loses 27-18 in a tough fought battle that was essentially won by the Harlequins with better coaching technique and players more familiar with the game of Rugby.

Spring Break is no excuse, however, Mines seemed not to have the momentum in the forwards that they have become accustomed to before the break. The three week break did not help the team. That being said Mines will learn more from the loss this weekend than they have from previous wins.

* The team needs to run in units. Many times during the game a Mines player broke the advantage line and had no support.
** Coached incorrectly, the player with the ball needs to try and stay on their feet until support arrives. Then they should be taking the ball to ground, not before.
* When the first support player arrives at the ruck, his first objective is to protect the ball - leaning over the tackled player and ball to stop it being ripped out by the opposition.
* The phases became very predictable - it would be good to see the team mix it up more. Having one or two forwards line up outside the fly half needs to start happening.
* The forwards are not breaking quickly enough from scrums and phases.
* The lineouts were predictable. The jumper who is not going to be getting the ball needs to fake out the opposition. We don't want them knowing where we are throwing the ball.
* The backline is standing deep, but running flat. The backs should be running straight and onto the ball. This means the ball should be passed 2-3 feet in front of the player, so he can run onto the ball.
* The territory game needs to be coached. The fly half, fullback, scrum half and inside centre need to look at kicking for territory (and the touch line) when Mines is in their own half.
* The fullback (when retrieving a kick from the opposition) should look at putting up a midfield kick (bomb) when he is outnumbered with the opposition bearing down.

If the team had nothing to work on, Mines Rugby would be in trouble.

That being said, the positives are that the team played with courage and heart. The scrums were a huge improvement. Periods of play with regards to Mines fast, rucking, momentum style play (although few and far between) were a pleasure to watch. Mike Slavens support play where he scored a try was an example to the rest of the forwards of how to support. It was truly inspirational. He really deserved his try.

Once again, Jared Heath had some outstanding runs and tackles. He needs to work more on ball security and running straight - staying with the support. Chris Mielke, Dan Hazen and Pat Carrol (we still expect more from Pat) played their hearts out. Although Dan Burch's hooking in scrums wasn't fantastic, his phase play and tackling was outstanding. And lastly but definately not the least, Kevin Smith proved himself as a true asset to the team as he set the example through how he tackled and the amount of tackles made.

Some of the teams bench players were put on at the wrong time of the game. There is no one to blame here except the coach. Tom English can play a lot better. Not to rag on Tom, but he has the most Rugby experience and has a lot more to offer than we saw today.

Tomas Romani and Eric Carrol played great games when they came on the field. These are two underestimated players. Matt Oliver showed how versatile he truly is, playing a great game on the wing and in the forwards - just remember to run straight and with your pack when playing in the forwards.

Man of the Match
3 POINTS – Kevin Smith – tackling
2 POINTS – Dave Thompson - tackling
1 POINT– Jared Heath – for tackling, great palm offs
1 POINT – Mike Slavens – great try and support play
1 POINT – Dan Hazen
1 POINT – Dan Burch
1 POINT – Chris Mielke