: Sun Feb 15, 2009 7:30 pm  

Might I add, mighty fine kicking game at times...even Jimmy Taylor popping up with a lovely little grubber for Stanton!

Only gripe would be that Watson still hasn't learned how to pass to his right hand side.

: Sun Feb 15, 2009 7:39 pm  

We have to be happy with 74-6. What pleases me is that the team seemed to have kept its focus for the whole of the match, effectively matching the first half score in the second half (and nilling the opposition to boot). It must be hard to concentrate when it is so easy so I have to say well done on that point.

It will be a good confidence booster for people to get some tries and the opposition will see our scoreline, and even though its against Skolars, it does set something of a benchmark.

Frankly I was beginning to wonder if we were able to unlock anybodys defence, be it Skolars, or Leigh Miners U-8's! So its a relief to see some tries on the board. I am sure playing against Wigan really toughened us up a bit.

I have to say I feel sorry for the Skolars - not pleasant to travel all that way, get tonked and have to go back home again (to about 50 fans) - it cannot do their future any good. I hope they improve over the season.

Another thing about this result is that, if points difference ever comes into it, we have done ourselves a favour today.

mapleyther

: Sun Feb 15, 2009 7:44 pm  

mapleyther wrote:

Another thing about this result is that, if points difference ever comes into it, we have done ourselves a favour today'

Exactly the point I made on the terraces to a mate when discovering that Fev might have 'eased up' a little at Donny, having gone a while without scoring a try at the time.

: Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:25 pm  

[quote="mapleyther"]We have to be happy with 74-6. What pleases me is that the team seemed to have kept its focus for the whole of the match/quote]

Agreed. And what pleased me more is that we are starting to look like a team who are mates on the field. I will hold my hands up and apologise for my rants about Watto. His defence today was first class. The position of Durbin at hooker looks to have taken a load off his back and he was loving it. I have never heard him vocaly boss the team like that. Top. Higson, Reay, Stanton, Taylor, all of the team had a good run out today. Reay at centre will be a handfull for any opposition. I wish we had a team of Adam Higsons. The only negative things I have to say about our play are that our passing needs to be more accurate and we need more composure when we think we have a team beat. I mean the silly passing on first tackle. I'm glad the Fev game was cancelled because our lads will kick on from today. Like NK touched on, today was probably like a pre season game. Its been a couple of years since we have thrown the ball about like that and long may it continue.

Re: todays performance : Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:35 pm  

frankb wrote:

The lads played well no doubt but I have a criticism of our right wing. When defending both Smith and Maden seemed to drift infield and this could prove costly.

Some nob behind us kept shouting for this, I think most defences condense for the first 3 or 4 tackles and slide when necessary. Skolars hardly skinned us on attack did they!

: Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:37 pm  

Only gripe would be that Watson still hasn't learned how to pass to his right hand side.

Watson directed every play - he so important to this team this year

: Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:39 pm  

Leigh01 wrote:

Watson directed every play - he so important to this team this year

Wouldn't say every play as Durbin and Ridyard both did their fair share, but on more than one occasion Watson had to adjust his body position when passing to his right hand side, and I find it concerning that a player of his experience isn't confident enough to pass off both hands. He might not get enough time and space to turn around at Fev as he did today.

: Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:47 pm  

TV BOY wrote:

mapleyther wrote:

We have to be happy with 74-6. What pleases me is that the team seemed to have kept its focus for the whole of the match/quote]

Agreed. And what pleased me more is that we are starting to look like a team who are mates on the field. I will hold my hands up and apologise for my rants about Watto. His defence today was first class. The position of Durbin at hooker looks to have taken a load off his back and he was loving it. I have never heard him vocaly boss the team like that. Top. Higson, Reay, Stanton, Taylor, all of the team had a good run out today. Reay at centre will be a handfull for any opposition. I wish we had a team of Adam Higsons. The only negative things I have to say about our play are that our passing needs to be more accurate and we need more composure when we think we have a team beat. I mean the silly passing on first tackle. I'm glad the Fev game was cancelled because our lads will kick on from today. Like NK touched on, today was probably like a pre season game. Its been a couple of years since we have thrown the ball about like that and long may it continue.

Commented exactly the same to someone today. It as like watching a Millward or Terzis team. Lots of players backing up, not afraid to spin the ball out wide and plenty of unpredictability from dummy half combined with agressive defence. One thing I will mention.... It was good to have Hobbo's experience back on the park as he gave us some good go forward (and attracted some penalties from the opposition), but please, please, please Andy, don't get dragged in to the niggley stuff!! You will cost us points against the more experinced sides in this division.

Special mention to Durbin who I thought was awsome today, controlled the ruck superbly.

ps to the d--k heads who keep slagging Watson off every time he touches the ball get your blinkers off!! He dictated everything today, well done watto!

: Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:50 pm  

Leyther_Matt wrote:

Wouldn't say every play as Durbin and Ridyard both did their fair share, but on more than one occasion Watson had to adjust his body position when passing to his right hand side, and I find it concerning that a player of his experience isn't confident enough to pass off both hands. He might not get enough time and space to turn around at Fev as he did today.

Ditto Ridyard when passing to his left hand side, but lets carry on slagging off Watson as he is not a leyther!

: Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:56 pm  

RealCherry&Whites wrote:

Ditto Ridyard when passing to his left hand side, but lets carry on slagging off Watson as he is not a leyther!

Ridyard is a young player signed from amateur rugby, Watson is supposed to be an international player and the focal point of our attack. He had a good game today, but I find it perplexing that a half-back can only pass in one direction. As mentioned previously, he might not have the time to do that when playing a Fev, Fax or Widnes. Well, maybe Fev or Fax

On the subject of Hobson, how on earth he wasn't sent off or even put on report for his little spat, I'll never know.