CHRIS Rowley says Stoke’s mauling by Old Laurentians proved to be a wake-up call for his young side.
The Hartwell Lane side were favourites to take the points at their struggling Midlands One West rivals, but instead found themselves thrashed 41-3.
Rowley conceded the margin could have been even greater as they struggled to adapt to atrocious conditions in Rugby.
“We were battered and the result could have been even worse for us,” said the scrum-half.
“Old Laurentians had the wind in the first half and played it really well. they were 24-3 up at half-time, but we didn’t think that was insurmountable.
“In the second half the conditions became worse and the wind changed direction, so we were up against it.
“Old Laurentians kicked for the corners and challenged us at the set-pieces, which meant we couldn’t get out of our 22.
“Their pack weren’t technically good, but were big, strong and experienced and knew how to play the conditions.
“That’s something we didn’t have, but our younger players will learn from that experience.”
Stoke were without a fixture last weekend, but Rowley will be hoping they have taken on board his comments ahead of Saturday’s home game against Silhillians.
Rowley admitted that the defeat at Old Laurentians a fortnight ago would also knock any arrogance out of his team.
“In the past couple of games we’ve just scraped past Market Bosworth, who are bottom, and been thumped by Old Laurentians, who are also down there,” he added.
“Since the turn of the year there’s been some really interesting results which have upset the form book.
“It proves to us that we can’t afford to go into any match in this division feeling over-confident.
“We’re capable of competing with the best, but can also be beaten by the sides down near the bottom.”
Silhillians arrive at Stoke in fifth place, one place and a solitary point above their hosts.
Stoke, though, are seeking a double, having won the reverse fixture 36-22 back in October.
“It was a good game when we won there and I’m expecting a tough afternoon,” explained Rowley.
“It will be interesting to see how we react to the Old Laurentians defeat and if the players took on board what was said after the game.
“We need to add that grit and determination into our pack to combine with the skill we have.
“If we manage to do that, then we can develop into a decent side.
“There was an outside chance that we could have had a late challenge for promotion before the Old Laurentians game, but that has gone now.
“In truth, we’ve not been consistent enough to be contenders for the top two this season.
“Hopefully, the players will put into practice what they learned in the defeat at Old Laurentians and we can continue to develop them for the future.”
FOLLOW CHRIS TRAVERS ON TWITTER @ChrisTravers07
Article source: http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/Brilliant-Bath-Rugby-slay-Newport-Gwent-Dragons/story-20431308-detail/story.html
Rugby Union: Stoke"s heavy defeat was an education, says captain Chris Rowley
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