The Game tonight : Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:23 pm  

Saints played very well and dominated Leeds all over the park, realistically we perhaps could and should have won by 20 points tonight. The pack, in particular Graham won the territorial battle (without Puletua who adds a whole new dimension to us) and the backs were superior both defensively and offensively. I actually fancy us to get the result at Headingley as well after watching that. Its performances like this that leave me scratching my head as to how on earth we have lost the last 2 Grand Finals to them when we continually show that when we turn up we are the better side despite our aging players.

Nevertheless, we can't get ahead of ourselves, the aim is to win at OT and that must be our focus, not a meaningless league game at KR.

: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:27 pm  

We were better tonight no doubt, but Leeds have the individual danger we lack. They are ruthless and have much better strength in depth than us.

The Cup game is still theirs to lose, a win by us would be incredibly impressive. I'd put my money on them winning a similar game as tonight.

Could all depend on the injuries though. Longy looked despondant, if he's out for the season, our season is over in terms of winning trophies. Leeds without Burrow are equally vulnerable however on recent displays in big games without him.

: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:34 pm  

If they play like tonight and we have Tony P back they could get hammered.

: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:36 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

We were better tonight no doubt, but Leeds have the individual danger we lack. They are ruthless and have much better strength in depth than us.

The Cup game is still theirs to lose, a win by us would be incredibly impressive. I'd put my money on them winning a similar game as tonight.

Could all depend on the injuries though. Longy looked despondant, if he's out for the season, our season is over in terms of winning trophies. Leeds without Burrow are equally vulnerable however on recent displays in big games without him.

Eastmond isnt a bad replacement for Long and Wheeler can play at scrum half as well

Re: The Game tonight : Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:41 pm  

Stirlingshire Saint wrote:

Saints played very well and dominated Leeds all over the park, realistically we perhaps could and should have won by 20 points tonight. The pack, in particular Graham won the territorial battle (without Puletua who adds a whole new dimension to us) and the backs were superior both defensively and offensively. I actually fancy us to get the result at Headingley as well after watching that. Its performances like this that leave me scratching my head as to how on earth we have lost the last 2 Grand Finals to them when we continually show that when we turn up we are the better side despite our aging players.

Nevertheless, we can't get ahead of ourselves, the aim is to win at OT and that must be our focus, not a meaningless league game at KR.

Still smarting are we
Don't forget your appointment at City Hall chump

: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:41 pm  

The Chair Maker wrote:

Eastmond isnt a bad replacement for Long and Wheeler can play at scrum half as well

In terms of beating the trash in Super League I agree, but Slong is still the heartbeat of our side. Without him Pryce isn't as good and we miss his organisation badly. I'm not suggesting that we'll do a Wigan and collapse if Long is out for the season, but it would take us a lot to win trophies without him.

Re: The Game tonight : Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:42 pm  

Stirlingshire Saint wrote:

Its performances like this that leave me scratching my head as to how on earth we have lost the last 2 Grand Finals to them when we continually show that when we turn up we are the better side despite our aging players.

Think about it ?????? whats the major difference....apart from you not turning up that is.

Great game tonight by both teams..2 points to you...nothing more nothing less.

Althought it might yet prove to be an expensive victory.

: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:45 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

In terms of beating the trash in Super League I agree, but Slong is still the heartbeat of our side. Without him Pryce isn't as good and we miss his organisation badly. I'm not suggesting that we'll do a Wigan and collapse if Long is out for the season, but it would take us a lot to win trophies without him.

But as far as still scoring points against what is supposed to be the best team in the league we can do. It may take some re-arranging and this has to happen anyway because this for me is Long's last year so better to work the re-arrangement now and embed the gameplay than wait untill next season. This is the start of transision for Saints.

: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:47 pm  

Steven Soderbergh wrote:

But as far as still scoring points against what is supposed to be the best team in the league we can do. It may take some re-arranging and this has to happen anyway because this for me is Long's last year so better to work the re-arrangement now and embed the gameplay than wait untill next season. This is the start of transision for Saints.

I say we forget transition and use cloning instead.

: Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:51 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

I say we forget transition and use cloning instead.

Who is that new guy playing hooker? He looks just like the Cunningham of old? Oh, Thats seven of nine stevo