Re: Bradford Match Thread - St Helens 36 - 4 Bradford : Sat Feb 23, 2013 3:42 pm  

SaintsFan wrote:

I don;t believe that! How can Saints allow a score by Bradford on the last play of the game! How poor is that? Their composure during the second half was as per usual but there is no excuse to allow that last play to score. Deary me.

Tale of two halves really, we was pretty much perfect in the first half and then made far too many errors and gave penalties away in the second. Brown won't be happy with the second half performance that's for sure.

Although, the focus should be on just how well we played in the first. Bradford didn't stand a chance.

Re: Bradford Match Thread - St Helens 36 - 4 Bradford : Sat Feb 23, 2013 3:52 pm  

SaintsFan wrote:

I don;t believe that! How can Saints allow a score by Bradford on the last play of the game! How poor is that? Their composure during the second half was as per usual but there is no excuse to allow that last play to score. Deary me.

You're really annoying.

Re: Bradford Match Thread - St Helens 36 - 4 Bradford : Sat Feb 23, 2013 3:59 pm  

One eyed monster wrote:

You're really annoying.

I can't believe that you've only just noticed!!!!

Re: Bradford Match Thread - St Helens 36 - 4 Bradford : Sat Feb 23, 2013 4:01 pm  

One eyed monster wrote:

You're really annoying.

Nothing new there then......

Re: Bradford Match Thread - St Helens 36 - 4 Bradford : Sat Feb 23, 2013 4:13 pm  

One eyed monster wrote:

You're really annoying.

Who are you?

Re: Bradford Match Thread - St Helens 36 - 4 Bradford : Sat Feb 23, 2013 4:14 pm  

BackrowSaint wrote:

Although, the focus should be on just how well we played in the first.

I agree.

But I hope we fix the second half issue before we meet one of the more threatening sides. And I said second half issue because our second halves have been an issue for some time, not just in this match!

Re: Bradford Match Thread - St Helens 36 - 10 Bradford - FT : Sat Feb 23, 2013 4:28 pm  

Just got back and not read everyone else's opinion.

My thoughts where that we controlled the tackle really well. Especially when Sia or TP were in attendance. Rather than pound the player to the ground, the emphasis was to hold the player, then dump. It was pretty perfect in the first half. The Bradford fans were calling for holding down, but the simple fact was the Bradford players where not hitting the deck until 3 or 4 seconds into the tackle.

The 2nd half this slacked off a bit but, we had more interchanges on, the tackles involving Sia still had a lot of control to them.

But we did get a bit sloppy in places.

Attack wise, very good in the first half. Lomax at FB did what most people predicted and had alot more joy with his shimmies and steps out wide rather than in the middle of the park. Although 2nd half his case of the dropsies came back. We could have had a few more tries in the 2nd half if everyone held the ball a bit better with the line under pressure.

Wilkin's first half kicking was a masterclass. 2nd half he had less time to kick as Bradford were more in our faces. But still not really a terrible kick that I remember, the closest was where he almost missed touch, but almost is not the same as missing touch.

Wheeler had his moments, chimmed in well. Nothing amazing but took his chance really well and should get another oppertunity injury permitting.

We got good territory and really took all our chances first half. 2nd half, well we bombed some oppertunities. Not bothered too much about the tries for Bradford. They both smacked of a lack of concentration in a tighter game you would hope we would not let those in.

All in all a very good report. It does not make us world beaters, bearing in mind the opposition. But definately back on the horse.

Re: Bradford Match Thread - St Helens 36 - 10 Bradford - FT : Sat Feb 23, 2013 7:13 pm  

http://www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/2778

http://www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/2778

Re: Bradford Match Thread - St Helens 36 - 4 Bradford : Sat Feb 23, 2013 7:32 pm  

One eyed monster wrote:

You're really annoying.

She's the same on redvee mate, all be it under a different user name.

Re: Bradford Match Thread - St Helens 36 - 10 Bradford - FT : Sat Feb 23, 2013 7:33 pm  

Just got back.

A much improved performance today, first half we looked really threatening with ball in hand, and were far more clinical in attack. The combination between Wheeler and Wilkin in the halves looked impressive, and although the kicking game was decent last week, it was superb today. Jon Wilkin has taken alot of stick on here, and on occasions, rightly so, but he was superb today at #7, and his kicking and distribution were both excellent.

Jonny Lomax was top class at full back, and was almost magical with ball in hand. He was dangerous every ftime he had the ball in his hands, and caused problems every time he joined the line. He took every high ball in front of him, and as suspected, Sammut and Addy peppered him in with the high bomb. I have been saying for a while that he should be playing in a position where he can run onto the ball and use his running game, and playing #1 gives him the luxury to be able to do that. His threat alone out the back caused problems, giving the lads both inside and outside him more time and space with ball in hand.

I thought the inclusion of Ade Gardner made a huge difference, and although he made a few mistakes, he worked hard when carrying the ball up the middle, and along with Lomax and Meli, his kick returns got us on the front foot, and the quick play the balls generated by him gave the forwards easier meters later on in the set.

Big wraps for Willie Manu who scored a cracking try, and showed off the power, footwork and ability that we know he is capable of. He carried the ball up strongly, and made a few decent breaks himself down the left hand side. Soliola had a good game, and was much more disciplined defensively which was great to see.

Not perfect, but a much improved performance from the previous three weeks. Hopefully we can take that into the next few weeks, starting with Leeds on Friday.
COYS!!!