Coaches Corner

2/13/2010 - UW (51) v Oregon State (5)

Loose forward game stats: 21 Scums. Lost 0 scrums and took 5 against the head. 24 lineouts. Lost 1 and took 4. Made 85% of the tackles. 78% ball retention.

11/7/2009 - University of Washington Huskies hosted University of Oregon Ducks.
 
After a very stormy night and a water logged morning, the sun appeared above the UW campus and stayed until the day was done with a win over visiting University of Oregon.  One would say the conditions should have been favorable for the Ducks, in more ways than one.
 
During the Fall Season, the UW field has an affectionate nickname of "The Mud bowl" ....for good reason.
 
After a back and forth battle of each team trying to take control, the UW pack took the main drivers seat after 15 mins. and was able to get the ball within the 5M "kill zone" where converted Hooker/Flanker/Center and now Scrumhalf, Devon Benedict was able to open up the scoring with a pick and roll into the try zone from the right hand side.  The try went unconverted in the field conditions, wide right.  Which would be the remaining theme of the day.
 
After gathering the ball from the ensuing kickoff and some penetrating runs by centers Paul Zavaglia and Ian Mai, the pack was awarded another try from the "kill zone" by prop, Ryan Youngman, this time on the far left corner, bringing the the score to 10 - 0 to UW with 10 min. left to go in the half.  The try went unconverted, wide left. 
 
Oregon with some scrappy play on the kick off was able to get into the UW 22, but after some stalwart defense and some handling errors, UW was able to recover and Flyhalf- Jonathon Blackstock was able to relieve the pressure with a kick to touch.  With firmer footing underground, the UW swarming defense was able to put enough pressure on the UO backline to cause errors which resulted in scrums to which returning starter, Phil Hunziker at #8 was able to launch some great attacks from the base.  After putting UO back on the heels again and again, UW was able to recycle the ball from all sides of the field and once again place the ball into Hunzikers hands to close out the the scoring for the half, bringing the score to UW 15 - 0  
 
With no changes to the starting lineup, UW was able to continue it's domination of the UO forwards who started to change tactics with attempting to play a more disruptive style of game.  UW kept its composure with some punishing pick and jams and runners balls being thrown around resulting in standout player Nick Browning, (#4 on the day) being able to drag several UO and possibly a few UW players  into the try zone for the fourth, unconverted try of the day.  UW 20 - 0
 
After a quick restart and a furious charge resulting in some scrappy play, UW brought in senior Tony Calapristi to bring in more seasoned players to the game.  Tony was introduced quickly to the ensuing aggressive play and "mood" of the play by taking one for the team and the result of Captain, Randy Cork being sent to the sin bin for punching in retaliation.  UO took advantage of the penalty to take their only points of the day by slotting a 25M penelty kick, to bring the score UW 20 - UO-3. 
 
UW was able to play some scrappy defense and disrupt any attempt by UO to take advantage of the overload.  After the 10 min. sin bin, UW brought into play in addition to Randy Cork returning, another seasoned player Jacob Borneman to second row,  Jeff Blackstock to FB, moving new comer Ryan McCarthy to FH, Jonathon Blackstock from FH to SH and starting SH Devon Benedict to hooker.  The result was a fired up UW team looking to put the nail in the proverbial coffin.  
 
Shortly upon his return, Randy Cork was able to take a ball off of a broken play and swerve through numerous UO tacklers to dot it down for his try and positive return.  UW 25 -  UO-3 and the final whistle was blown.
 
The coaching staff was pleased with the results, with the team showing steady improvement in it's ability to fight off the elements, the disruptive play and often questionable calls.  The mental toughness shown by the squad was clearly an inspiration to be built upon.
 
The next game: UW vs OSU will decide who will be going into the break in 2nd place in the league.

10/31/2009 UW vs WSU

UW - 14 / WSU - 0
(3 -1st half tries tries called off for held up (#8 in goal), double movement on a push over try (#7) and not getting one down before being pushed out on a blindside move (#7)
 
0 - 0 at half time, although UW played 30 mins in the WSU side of the field, with the 3 above tries called off.
 
10 min's in the second half on some spirited play, UW pressure on defense paid off, as our IC was able to scope up a dropped pass and scamper 40M untouched to the WSU goal.  Jonathon Blackstock, (SH turned FH for this game) was able to convert dead into the teeth of the wind.
 
10 min later, with more pressure defense coming from a lineout, the UW Inside Center literally took the ball out of the hands of his opponet and scampered 30M untouched for the second try of the day. Blackstock was able to convert again.
 
Both scores came from Paul Zavaglia, (Inside center) to note: is an Ex-Cougar.
 
Blustery day, so the handling made for everyone to shrink the width of there lines.  UW forwards dominated the set peices,  taking over 50% of scrums and lineout balls away from WSU.   With the limited spacing and wind conditions, it made for a reasonable close game as niether team in the back lines seemed to create or find space enough to break through. 
 
It should have been a 35 + game, but WSU was able to disrupt at the rucks enough to keep us from turning the game into a full rout. 
 
Will say they have some talent and spirit in the #8 and FH roles.  FH (Swenson) got frustrated and took some diving tackles at his opposite that landed him in the sin bin for a bit. 
BUT~ Dave Pelton called a very good game, in my opinion, (even landing 2 of our own in the sin bin for hands in the ruck) as he tried to get the tone and play at the rucks back into a constructive game. 
 
End of the day, WSU is rebuilding- under new management, but is not a force to be taken lightly.  They were not able to control their own set peices with us,  but played a disruptive style at the rucks that will slow better oppenets down, if not take them out of their flow.