Post by Paul Webb on Jan 25, 2014 20:58:07 GMT
Old Eds coach Kevin Venus was in critical mood after watching his charges beaten by the elements and the opposition in the match at Old Coventrians.
And he was certainly not holding back when he said: “Before the game I had challenged the squad to prove me wrong, that in all my years as a player and coach I had never been lucky enough to be involved with a side that could win without training.
“Our preparation, considering our lack of games due the weather, had been shocking and woeful, with many regular first-team squad players finding various reason not to train and prepare.
“However, I had told the lads that it would be a game of two halves but I never expected the torrential weather to take such a toll.
“Coventrians played those conditions so much better than us. They were just as cold and as wet as us but they just wanted it more.
“Having to make serious changes late on the day with no backs cover was always a worry.
“On the positive side, David McAdam, at prop, was his usual rock-solid self. Any young player coming into the game would do well to mimic his commitment to the cause.
“And, as always, Craig Fielding, in the second row and Daniel Elkerton, in the backs, put their bodies on the line.
“It just needed the rest of the squad to follow their lead.
”Ryan Singh made his debut in the forwards and came off the bench at a difficult stage of the game. But, considering the intense pressure, he did exceptionally well and is one for the future.”
And he was certainly not holding back when he said: “Before the game I had challenged the squad to prove me wrong, that in all my years as a player and coach I had never been lucky enough to be involved with a side that could win without training.
“Our preparation, considering our lack of games due the weather, had been shocking and woeful, with many regular first-team squad players finding various reason not to train and prepare.
“However, I had told the lads that it would be a game of two halves but I never expected the torrential weather to take such a toll.
“Coventrians played those conditions so much better than us. They were just as cold and as wet as us but they just wanted it more.
“Having to make serious changes late on the day with no backs cover was always a worry.
“On the positive side, David McAdam, at prop, was his usual rock-solid self. Any young player coming into the game would do well to mimic his commitment to the cause.
“And, as always, Craig Fielding, in the second row and Daniel Elkerton, in the backs, put their bodies on the line.
“It just needed the rest of the squad to follow their lead.
”Ryan Singh made his debut in the forwards and came off the bench at a difficult stage of the game. But, considering the intense pressure, he did exceptionally well and is one for the future.”