Dave Rotheram has got me worried. In his post match interview on radio Cumbria he was asked what he had said to the players at half time to achieve such a contrasting second half. When defending we were getting out muscled in the middle, which was sucking in players from the fringes. This was creating space out wide and our sliding defence was found wanting. On at least 2 occassions Fax had an overlap of 3. We were playing one man rugby, we weren't supporting the player with ball and generally playing badly like we have for the best part of the season. When you would expect Dave Rotheram to be reading them the riot act his words of wisdom were " you got yourselves into this situation, you get yourselves out of it" I'm sure the coaching manual will be re-written to include this tactical masterpiece of motivation.
Earlier in the season when our forward dominated game was criticised as not being entertaining, DR replied by saying that we adapt to the ground conditions, he said when the pitches dry out you will see a more entertaining, fast flowing expansive style of rugby. It won't get much drier so when are we likely to see this faster rugby.
The situation at Whitehaven is crying out for quality coaching input. If we turn up at Blackpool and play like we have been we will be sent home with our tail between our legs. The result at Blackpool will prove one of two things :either DR is a brilliant tactician who was saving the best for last or that as a coach he has failed .
One final note. Craig Calverts only quality is that he is lightening when given a gap. His centres should be coached in parting with the ball sooner as too often the pass (if it is given) comes too late when the gap has closed. The tactic of using Calvert to take the ball forward on 1st and 2nd tackle is frightening to watch. I cringe everytime it happens he is so timid.