The Positives, The Errors, the Turning Point

This was a good quality game. Not high quality, but rather the game that you would get from two relatively evenly matched teams.That's correct Sharks! The Parramatta team without a host of key players and down to 2 bench players matched you on the field. Therefore I'd like to examine how you were matched and how you won.The Parramatta forward pack matched the Sharks forwards despite the referees being far more lenient in the ruck area towards the Sharks. Ennis did his very best to highlight any Parra indiscretion to the referees to the point where his flapping arms almost allowed him to take flight! Yet, despite being two men down for most of the second half, the Wenty forwards, sorry the Parra forwards, were matching the Sharkies in the middle. Take the try by Álvaro, a young inexperienced forward, as an example of the depth, commitment and determination that exists in Parramatta's pack. The team's forwards were again the highlight of the match.So how did the Shark's win?They effectively exposed the frailties of our right side in defence.I am not going to bag any players because defensive reads are influenced by so many factors. Experience, talent, combinations and trust in the bloke beside you all impact how you work together. Yesterday that side of the field contained blokes that have played very little together so they can barely read their team mates' decisions let alone what the attack is throwing at them. Add into that the individual inexperience of those players on that side and it was going to be the obvious side for the Sharks to attack. This they did to great effect.So what was the turning point?For mine it was Kelly's 5th tackle kick from 30 metres out that went dead. Either providing a contested high ball or running the ball to have a deep in the quarter turn over would have been a much better result than the seven tackles from their quarter. It's easy to say in hindsight, but we know what the result was. In no way will I bag Kelly for his game. Like others, his effort was whole hearted. However, the benefit of Foran's inclusion next year was evident in a play such as that.Overall, I couldn't be happier with the players' efforts. They are giving it everything they've got and they exceeded my expectations for the second half.On another personal note, this was my first game back at Parramatta in nearly 5 months. Had a great time exercising the vocal cords at the game, although I was disappointed that the "flag boys" (touch judges) didn't take my regular advice about their contributions. The day was topped off with some cold beers and some great footy talk back at the club.Go the Eels!

"I'm putting last year down to the new style of attack and defence that had been implemented, as well as relying on Volkman at half. It was a disatorous 1st half without doubt, but I can't see that happening again. We should be much better prepared…"

"It was. Mainly because Read came off as a total fuckwit. While it's nice to see (most of) the media on our side in this case, it;s really hard not to be."

Replies

Mac5733 August 30, 2015 at 7:02am

For mine it was Kelly's 5th tackle kick from 30 metres out that went dead was the game. we hit the lead with 12 to go, all the momentum was with us and that play killed it.
we needed 2 quality halves to steer us to victory.
on a such a great day for footy, in front of our home crowd we should got the W.
- sixtiesboy > Mac5733 August 30, 2015 at 7:25am
  
  That was BA's attitude in the presser too. It's why we have a new half next year.
- Mac5733 > Mac5733 August 30, 2015 at 7:40am
  
  really stuffed up my lead in my tipping comp. tipped eels. would of got me clear.
- Mac5733 > Mac5733 August 30, 2015 at 8:47am
  
  been mostly right with parra all year. but thought they'd get up yesterday.
Rise of an empire August 30, 2015 at 7:06am

In my mind we are really missing a captain that can plead & get in the subconscious of the ref. A few well chosen words to the ref about a lot of those suspect short passes by the shark's, them being offside & holding us down to long in the ruck would of went a long way, with the crowd constantly booing in their ear holes. I must add I thought Hoppa was too slow to slide in defense & made it impossible for his winger, it cost us on 3 separate occasions
- sixtiesboy > Rise of an empire August 30, 2015 at 7:28am
  
  It looked far too easy didn't it?!? Simple executions from the Sharks in that side got the desired result. We get results from our left side attack. The Sharks knew what side would get them the result.
- Rise of an empire > Rise of an empire August 30, 2015 at 7:53am
  
  Yes they showed their hand early & were correct. I did forget to say that I am proud of the team especially the forwards. I believe as much as all these heart breaking losses hurt, the team I think the pain of it all will benefit them next year with some more experienced heads around next year
Tentonz August 30, 2015 at 7:32am

Once again 60s, top blog.
- sixtiesboy > Tentonz August 30, 2015 at 7:39am
  
  Cheers mate. I did have some beer goggles on (not too many) but it was a good match.
Alan Hunt August 30, 2015 at 7:42am

Nice read 60's and i agree it is the simple dumb plays that are letting this team down, Foran being here next year will go a long way to changing that. And a captain that the refs will listen too and respect will also help. Timmy has had a great year but i cringe every time he tries and talk to the refs. He's clueless and he couldn't lead a choko up a vine. Our pack has been doing a great job all year with little reward hopefully that changes next year.

PS - Gallen is a piece of whinging shit.

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