Moreland confesses Barking lacked composure

Andrew Moreland believes a little more composure near the try line from Barking could have led to a different outcome after losing 20-12 at Epping Upper Clapton in London Three Essex.

The Gale Street club suffered a third straight loss of the season, despite tries from Marcus Bloomberg and Fabio Ogunfowora.

Barking narrowly missed out on taking a losing bonus point from the match, and director of rugby Moreland feels that was the least they could have taken from the game.

“Epping were very complimentary about how we played, so that is a positive we can take from it,” he said.

“We let ourselves down with the basics of the game, and the difference in fitness between the sides told in the end.

“The players know that, but that is something they are keen to work on and keen to take the lead on.

“We had several chances with the ball inside the opposition 22, and we could have taken more from the game with a bit more composure.”

Despite losing, Barking became the first team this season to keep Epping from scoring at least four tries in a league fixture.

And Moreland was delighted with how the Gale Street outfit’s defence fared despite the end result.

“Our defence has improved each game and that was probably our best game of the season defensively,” he added.

“We wanted to be physical and the improvement was down to us wanting to implement that.

“We were able to target them and put the pressure on well, but there are still areas for us to work on.”

The defeat means Barking have lost their last three games after winning their opening league match.

But Moreland revealed that morale in the camp at Gale Street remains good despite their poor form.

“The boys remain really confident and know how difficult it is to turn the club’s culture around in a short space of time,” he said.

“They now have the mindset of winners and know what they need to do to get over the line.

“I’m also impressed with the fact that there has been no negativity and no sniping from the players despite the results.”

Barking will hope their good morale leads to a win soon.

Ned Keating
Dagenham Post