More energy in defence would give Tim's thumbnail a rest (From Essex County Standard)

More energy in defence would give Tim's thumbnail a rest

10:37am Friday 4th February 2011 in Sport By Simon Spurgeon

Colchester Rugby Club’s attacking prowess needs to be mirrored in their defensive displays if the nail of coach Tim Grimsey’s right thumb is to get some relief.

Grimsey was left chewing his nails by some of the team’s defensive play in their 38-25 victory against Woodford in London League division one north.

They face Chingford at Mill Road tomorrow in a crucial promotion showdown and Grimsey wants to see the same energy put into defence as they show when the ball is in their own hands.

He said: “The first ten to 15 minutes (against Woodford) was the best we have defended this year.

“If we defend like that for the whole game we wouldn’t lose a game for the rest of the season.

“However every time we make a mistake, we let them back in.

“It is only our mistakes that allow the opposition to do what they do.

“My right thumbnail is a mess.

“I chew it to pieces during games because I haven’t got any hair to pull out. Our attacking play is phenomenal and if our defence was as good as that, we would have no problems.

“The work rate in attack is out of this world and we are playing some really good rugby.

“But we only had the ball for 35 per cent of the game.

“We need to be as energetic in our defence as we are in our attack."

See this week's Essex County Standard for more reaction and a round-up of all the local rugby action.