Ashurst banned for 2 weeks for a dangerous throw. Reported on BBC website.

That’s a real shame, he, not to mention most others, was hitting great form again.

He was always going to get a ban for that. Completely uneccessary.

At least it's in a position we have cover.

Reynolds is out for our game too.

We have Tanginoa who can cover for Ashurst, not sure who’s to cover prop, perhaps Chris Green.

Is that for the Greenwood cartwheel in front of our sticks

If that was the one it was showmanship of a P.T. Barnum standard

He tooked his head in and flung his legs upwards like a gymnast performing a forward roll



Showman

No need to rob Peter to pay Paul. Keep Tanginoa at prop and just promote Batch from the bench to starting SR.

Simple and least disruption to a team 2/2.

Actually I don’t think there’s any back up second rowers to put on the bench if we promote batch to the starting line up.

I guess that leaves two options.

Tanginoa to SR and another prop to come in (I’d love to see Eseh get a crack!).

Or

Promote Batch to starting SR and have Arundel on the bench to fill in SR last 20 mins or so.

Option 1 would mean changing the starting props and bench props and I think the way Fifita and Battye are coming off that bench It’s probably best not to change too much. Think I’d go with option 2.

One things for certain. If we turn up with the same attitude and ready to roll the sleeves up we can be looking at 3/3!

Batch is still learning & is not a finished article, I do rate him but he needs to run more wide at 2nd centre & for longer runs + putting the centre away or dummy runner to enable the centre to be put through, he currently plays too much one up plays & dies.
My other concern is he does not have long minutes in him & is injured all too easy !
For me I would move Kelepi & bring on Batty !

Of all the things I'd say Batch is still learning his fitness isn't the problem.
I'd like to see him at true second row as he was playing 13 when he came on this week which meant he stayed in the middle.

We should appeal that. The Reynolds one that is, we could do with him playing.

I can’t believe Batch has only just turned 23 in April. Seems like he’s been around for a decade. He’s going to be hitting his prime years soon and I think he’s the natural replacement for one of Pitts/Ashurst.

His fitness certainly isn’t a problem from what I see.

Noticed Joe batchelor in the crowd at the game watching his brother. He’s a handy player.