View from the bench

By Ian Gatt
January 14 2005

I was the winner of the "Seat on the Bench" in the BPA Auction of Promises. I chose the Wasps' game on 2 January to occupy my seat and, result of the game aside, had a marvellous time.

The Wasps' game was to be the last time the West Stand was to be used before demolition and redevelopment and that added an extra dimension to the occasion.

On arrival in the dugout I had a brief chat with Mark Evans. Amidst the blare of the background noise from Mad Max and the crowd I played Chinese whispers with Mark. I thought he said "Would you like to come on at half time?" Thinking this was a joke (and having been teased by friends that I might expect to get a game) I replied that I hadn't played for a few years but had brought my boots with me. "No" said Mark "Would you like to come in at half time for the team talk?" Suitably embarrassed I gratefully accepted.

Pre-match a number of team members and coaching staff came up and chatted and I had my picture taken and spoke to Tani Fuga and Jim Evans. I was particularly grateful to Dave Bell (Strength and Fitness Coach) for his offer of some regimes for Jason's Leopards when training resumes later this year. He was obviously able to identify a man in need of a strength and fitness regime.

Once the game started, the view from the bench was surprisingly good, given its low level. The added constant commentary from the replacements and coaching staff gave the game a new dimension - discussions as to likely lineout calls, tactics etc. abounded. There was a constant vocal urging of support for anyone pressing forward with the ball or who put in a crunching tackle. The discussion of LBND's killing of the ball in front of the Wasps posts to thwart Quins' best hope of a try shortly before half-time was particularly entertaining. "Ref-link" has proved popular. I suspect "Bench-link" would do so too.

The other noticeable feature was that the replacements were straining at the leash - constantly moving in their seats or getting up to stretch or cycle on the exercise bike in the dug out. There was a real sense of eager anticipation crossed with a frustration and desire to get on the pitch. After 15 minutes, the replacements jumped up to warm up in the area behind the posts and Dave Bell teased me to join in. I politely declined.

Half time came and the players trudged into the changing room. It was an immense privilege to stand and observe. For the first few minutes, the players sat in silence whilst Mark Evans quietly but firmly made a few key points: the tackling had to be quicker, harder, more aggressive - give Wasps less time and space at breakdowns; there was no scope for watching the action if it was happening in someone else's channel - the players had to be sharper. The game was not lost. He kept it concise, simple and to the point. The atmosphere amongst the players was good. I felt they were frustrated with the first half performance and conscious of the quality of the opposition but very much up for it.

The players and coaches then split into smaller huddles - forwards, backs to discuss finer points. The half-time replacements were notified to Mike Scott and the necessary paperwork completed.

The second half re-started. Wasps scored quickly from the re-start and I felt the power and effect of the half-time talk evaporate away. You often hear commentators talk of the importance of scoring points shortly before half-time or quickly after the re-start, but I really felt the impact of that Wasps try on the bench.

The second half seemed to fly by. Further substitutions were made. Simon Miall (with whom I had enjoyed a very interesting chat in the first half) went on for Simon Maling who took Miall's seat on the bench next to me. At 6' 6" he seemed to dwarf me (6' 3") and steamed away gently before putting on his tracksuit. Sherriff and Dunne also replaced Diprose and Staunton.

Late tries from Keogh and Harder showed what the team can achieve but by that time the exodus from the East Stand was disappointingly all too evident.

There has been a lot of "knocking copy" on the Comeallwithin website in recent months, borne out of the anger and frustration of many supporters at the lack of results and, occasionally, the perceived lack of commitment on the part of some players and coaching staff. On the basis of my limited insight into the team and coaching staff this is unwarranted. They are a highly motivated, professional and proud bunch of players and coaches who, in my view, are as frustrated as their supporters at the lack of positive results.