Diary Of A Club Player: David Walsh (Suttonians)
“A fine day and a good attendance would be how I would describe our recent outing against Young Munster in the AIB League, but unfortunately not the result we had hoped for.” Suttonians full-back and captain David Walsh continues his diary of life as a club player.
“Another loss (31-16 against Young Munster) continues our poor run of form since the turn at Christmas. The most disappointing factor for the players in the dressing room afterwards was the sense that we were not doing ourselves justice.
“In periods of the game where we were able to string together some good phases we felt that we could control the game, but critical errors and some uncharacteristic missed tackles cost us dearly and again credit must go to Young Munster for taking their opportunities when presented.
“The game finished 31-16 in their favour and Young Munster left Sutton with five points in the bag and us at the beginning of a three-week challenge to prepare for the visit of Old Crescent tomorrow.
“With two games to go in this year’s Division Two campaign, a top four finish – our initial goal – is beyond us but we are determined to finish in the top half of the table. To do this we must win our last two games.
“Training began on the Monday after the Young Munster game when we sat through the video of the game and analysed where the errors were made and guys could pick up on the areas where they needed to improve for the next game.
“It’s not very pleasant having to sit through and relive a poor performance but it’s a valuable exercise which helps players isolate key areas in their game where there is room for improvement.
“I like to believe that there was a mini turning point for us at this video session because there is a determination within the squad since then to finish on a high and not have to sit and watch another performance like that this season.
“While the three-week break must be frustrating for some teams, it has come as a blessing for us. The coaches set out our three-week preparation plan for the next game but more importantly it has given the sore bodies time to heal and we are back to full strength for the first time since before Christmas which gives everyone a lift.
“A lot of the guys trained six out of the seven days of the first week and last week to be fit for this one when we’ll work on our game plan for the Crescent game.
“As my captaincy year is coming to an end I am more determined to finish out the year with some good performances.
“Old Crescent travel to Sutton on Saturday for what is going to be our last home game of the season. There is a big effort being made at the club to attract as many supporters on the day as possible.
“Entry to the match will be free and there will be live entertainment in the bar afterwards so we would urge anybody to come down for what should be an enjoyable day.
“We have also accepted an invitation to play the Polish national side away in Warsaw on Thursday, April 19 under floodlights which is something that we are looking forward to. Details are still being confirmed so I’ll know more for the next diary installment.”