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Mid Season review

With the joy of Christmas before us now, the Toucher's can look back on a solid start to the season.

Victory last night in the last game of 2014 was built upon a solid defence. There was almost a full cast on the windy night at Narrabeen with only BBB and Dicko absent from the playing roster.

It was in stark contrast to the previous week with just the bare bones left to take the field and achieve that hard fought victory.

The Toucher's were never really in any danger of losing and went into the half time break for oranges up 4-1 on the Pepsi Jumbotron.

Supercoach delivered a positive speech on the defensive structure that his colleagues should deliver in the second half. As usual nobody was listening, some things don't change. The VC sat so far away I doubt he could hear anyway. But I was close enough to the speedster to hear him mumble to himself "let the b@stards through, I'll chase em down".

All played well in the fixture. With 5 reserves, the boys rotated the positions very well and that may well have been the difference.

The full time score was 10-4

Half season player ratings

Jonty The try scoring wizz was coming off a 7 week layoff last night after his arm was torn from his torso and had to be re-attached. With weeks of physio and lots of TLC his return was enjoyed by all. His attempts to catch the ball one handed will be improved with some simple drills I sent him via my YouTube channel. It hasn't worked for the Rookie but Jonty may pay more attention !!! Rating 6.5

The Sponsor Despite dealing with a long list of soft tissue injuries, the Sponsor has been solid through the middle. His investment in the Toucher's was gladly accepted by all but he is still waiting for his first lead from the boys. He only needs one successful sale and the Toucher's are guaranteed a four figure sponsorship in 2015/2016 .Rating 6.5 

Kiwi The big man from the land of the long white cloud has been warmly accepted back into the bosom of the Toucher's corporation after a year in the wilderness. His boyish enthusiasm is genuine and infectious. He has played the big man in the middle role very well and the team will need more of it in the back half of the season. Rating 6.5

Dicko The highest credentialed Toucher has only graced us with his presence when he felt like it this season. But when he has been there his direction and vision has been as good as has been seen in many a year. The Chairman might challenge that statement but I do like to start a verbal stoush. rating 6.5 

Bulldog The young fella has returned to the Toucher's this season with the same swagger seen in past seasons. But having suffered his first official loss in Toucher's colours a few weeks ago, he is searching for redemption and another trophy. He sits high on the try scoring ladder again this year and will push the VC all the way for that title this season. Rating 6.5

BBB Away on his search for that monstrous stingray that pierced his foot in December 2013, the tall flyer was absent for last nights game and was missed. Early reports coming back from the northern reaches of his holiday spot are suggesting that he has been seen stepping through the shallows along the headland in his speedo's with a Woomera high in his throwing arm seeking redemption on the viscous water beast. Rating 6.5

Milt The Chairman of the selection of committee of chairman has been absent on a few occasion's this season so far. But when he does chose to make the right priority decisions  and turn up, there isn't many better that run onto a well directed pass. His speed does seem to be on the wane though as was seen last evening when he burst into the clear. His chaser was walking at his fastest walking pace and was right alongside before making the touch, sensing he had teased Milt enough. Rating 6.5

Locksmith Yes the madman has been swinging from the escarpments in the blue mountains in the last 7 weeks, teaching young wanna bee's how to save the lives of others. His unbridled enthusiasm is like no other each time he pulls on his Toucher's shirt.....and sometimes when he plays for us too. 

The Chairman was heard to state that the Locksmith looked a little rusty last night. A brave statement I thought as I have heard what the locksmith can do with a blunt spoon. Rating 6.5

Rookie In his 4th season as a Toucher he is now just finding his way on the field !!! Its been a stellar year so far despite the hours he is spending on that damn bike. Comparisons are being made with Les Kiss in the way he has been finishing down that right wing. The young man would have scored many more try's had that damn last pass not been thrown above his head or at his feet or a foot in front of him. On the chest please boys next time. Rating 6.5

Supercoach The ole charger has stepped up a gear in season 2014/2015. Sensing that the Chairman is winding back his on field responsibilities and heading to more of a back office role, Supercoach has reminded the corporation that the sweet prince, VC, is not the only one who can lead this team into the years ahead. 

I do enjoy his half time speeches and how the team hang on every word. Rating 6.5

Son of Supercoach Following up on his man of the match debut, son of Supercoach confirmed his ability to distribute from the dummy half. 

He played as if he owned it and At one point I did see him shove the Chairman out of the way at the play the ball and remind the ole man of his responsibilities. Rating 6.5 

VC Well what more can be said about the leading try scorer of all time in Toucher's colours. His ability to turn up the wik and fly away for another 1 pointer hasn't backed off in anyway after 5 years of Touching. 

What has come to light though, is that he has been just that little bit more circumspect at times [ = grumpy ]. He should leave that part of the game to others who are well versed in the skill of raising ones ire during a poorly refereed fixture or when the opponents are not behaving as one thinks they should. Just stick to leading the team around the park, scoring tries and stopping others doing so. Rating 6.5

Chairman Well well well, the godfather of the Toucher's has been his regal best in the season so far. His sheer presence on the pitch demands respect by all around.

But in writing that definitive statement, I did enjoy the post match review where he asked his fellow warriors why they at times choose not to follow direction. Taking 3 plays one way, so as to create the 3 on 2 overlap back the other way. I sensed fear in the team when not one player dared answer the question which I personally took as being delivered in a rhetorical manner. Or maybe most had no idea what he was saying. Rating 6.5

Now as I add all of those ratings up I calculate a team average of ummmmmmm..... 6.5.

A par score I can confidently say. 

May all Toucher's reflect on this whilst they depart to the four corners of the world for the holidays?

May you and your families have a safe and Merry Christmas

Yours in forever Merry Touching

FMJ

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