Moseley fall guy Jonny May a ‘victim of circumstances’, according to coach Ian Smith
Dec 15 2009 by Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail
MOSELEY fall guy Jonny May has become a ‘victim of circumstances’, according to head coach Ian Smith.
The dual-registered teenager endured an unhappy afternoon at Meadow Lane on Sunday as the Red and Blacks slipped to a 30-15 defeat and to within a point of the relegation play-offs.
Although the final scoreline flattered Nottingham and Moseley deserved at least a point, there was no escaping the fact they were architects of their own downfall.
Particularly the talented May, who had a rare off day when he missed a golden opportunity that would have put his team ahead with 25 minutes to go.
He then fell off the tackle that allowed Billy Twelvetrees to secure a try bonus in the 80th minute to complete a disappointing showing.
But Smith believes all May needs to fulfil his massive potential is more stability in this, his first year as a senior rugby player.
Overall May has done well whenever he has appeared for the Billesley side.
Indeed he has scored two spectacular tries in his first five games for the club. However, he has struggled to put down roots so far and has often been required to fill in for Gloucester whenever injuries demand.
May has been in squads for the Heineken Cup, Guinness Premiership and LV= Anglo Welsh Cup, as well as featuring in Guinness A league games for the Cherry and Whites.
And that, Smith says, is not helping the Swindon-born centre.
“He is a victim of circumstances,” Smith said. “Gloucester need him sometimes then if someone is fit he’s either 24th man or sent back to us.
“So he ends up flying around, caught between a number of things, it’s unfair on him.
“You can see he’s got talent, he just needs time and consistency to develop it.”
What he needs above all is a string of games in the same side, much as Jack Adams and Dan Norton had over the last couple of years.
“You can’t flit between the two getting no analysis and no help after games,’’ added Smith. “On Sunday there were some good things and there were some poor things but the only way he is going to learn is if he gets proper feedback.”
