It wasn’t pretty, and God knows there’s plenty of work to do, but main mission accomplished: stay in Ligue B. In reflection, 5th place was well within our grasp, but that’s a project for 2012-13.
Any worries that Lausanne2 would have a few guests from their 1st XV were put to rest soon before kick-off, with their players on display. And, in fine Luzern tradition, perhaps that worked to our disadvantage. Call it the “Ireland Effect” (making a meal of things when you’re clear favourites), but while the victory was never in doubt, the performance was. We started with an early try, and another would soon follow. Sadly, however, much of what came in between was poor. Too many penalties, poor lineouts, and a lack of hunger made the inevitable victory a little hollow. We had perhaps our strongest team all season, and yet there was something seriously missing.
Lausanne2, to their credit, battled away, and made our pack look poor in the open with their own pick-and-go and Fatboys. Our tackling in these situations was quite poor, and far too many Lausanne2 runs were let through. Sadly, this was a continuation from a month beforehand, when we lost to a Monthey team big on physique but short on skill. Against Lausanne2, our line, and our 22 in general, wasn’t threatened all that much. Still, the middle third of the pitch was too open and balanced for such a clear disparity between the teams. Our backs showed the significant difference between them and their opponents with some great attacking play.
Overall, we know what our weaknesses are. We have a summer to think about them, and to get back to some tough training in July. What cannot happen is that we reach September 2012 as we did September 2011: unfit (which brings increased chances of injuries – something from which we suffered so badly last Autumn), unprepared, and naive to the demands of Ligue B. We have simple tasks for ourselves: get fit; train consistently as one solid, reliable, familiar unit; and, above all else, win those home games!
Finally, a big thank you to Guido for all his efforts this season – and the 2 before. RCL will have to pick on another minority, now that the Italian contingent is gone. Might I suggest the Welsh? Still, the door is always open for 20 mins here, 20 mins there, when a crazy hooker is required to spring from the subs bench to kick some Frenchies…
Result:
Lausanne2 0 – 27 Luzern
Tries:
Nick x2, Dave x2