[Devongone]

I'm sure Rowley could've got his injury sledging or falling off a climbing frame. Just coming up against bigger heavier guys can cause injuries anyway can't it? That's why coaches are often scared of risking youngsters ........... and exactly why they should take that risk. Even if you're Ricky German there'll always be even bigger stronger guys. The longer you don't learn to deal with that fact, the harder it is going to be. In the end the choice is to play at a level where you are either good enough or big enough not to get shoved around, OR learn to cope with what comes your way and take your knocks at the highest level at which your ability will get you a game.

Friendlies on hard summer pitches are good for getting a team together. Unfortunately they are also pretty excellent for getting injuries. The good thing is a little of Rowley's recovery will happen pre-season. The bad thing is that about a quarter of the season is gone by the end of September.