Compared with the 'bang' that was the end of the 2014/15 regular season, this one has started with much more of a whimper. The intensity of our scramble defence on display against Burton last week was gone and replaced by disorganisation and missed tackles.

The less said about the first half of this county cup game the better, as the half-time scoreline of 36-0 was a fair reflection of proceedings; Tamworth were organised and well-drilled although our defensive efforts made them look better than they actually were.

Positives were few, but the first 15 minutes of the second half, when Walsall tackled well, stayed organised and didn't bunch behind the breakdown, showed that this squad have certainly got the ability to play the game really well. The forwards were keeping play narrow, always getting over the gain line, and going through multiple phases to draw in the Tamworth defenders. It was after a number of strong drives in their 22 that Jamie Mallaband crashed over from close range to chalk up a deserved try for the pack.

From the restart, Walsall managed to keep Tamworth pinned back in their own 22 with the forwards again gaining ground through multiple phases. This time the call was on for it go wide and some fast and accurate handling through the back line gave Alex Garton the opportunity to step inside the covering defender and score.

Unfortunately, this comeback was short-lived and Tamworth scored three unanswered tries in the closing five minutes to complete a disappointing morning.

Walsall RFC

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