This was a poorer performance than last week where at least for 25 minutes we looked like a team and played with intensity against a team that are playing at the top of their game and had probably 3 or 4 weeks luck in one game. What the hell did the players talk about , what did Radford do with them last week? We've gone from being an energetic and happy bunch to the same old miserable , dour , turgid club where the player's body language is so down and negative. Remember Frank in those first 3 games , that smile and swagger? I just can't believe the change is purely down to form. It wouldn't surprise me if we start hearing homesickness stories next. The same as it ever was.
It seems the same pattern as last year. Two good performances and then a slide into dour one man rugby. If the pattern follows, we will pick up some wins against the Dobbins (maintain bragging rights), sneak into the 8 and then tamely surrender in the remaining games. We seem to have reverted to safety first when the pressures on again and the creative rugby has now gone. To all intents and purposes, Wakey are a championship side in waiting and we didn't even try to post points against them. The fact that , 6 games in, were saying "a wins a win" against such a poor side tells you all you need to know. I want to be enthused but I'm really struggling. Again.
It seems the same pattern as last year. Two good performances and then a slide into dour one man rugby. If the pattern follows, we will pick up some wins against the Dobbins (maintain bragging rights), sneak into the 8 and then tamely surrender in the remaining games. We seem to have reverted to safety first when the pressures on again and the creative rugby has now gone. To all intents and purposes, Wakey are a championship side in waiting and we didn't even try to post points against them. The fact that , 6 games in, were saying "a wins a win" against such a poor side tells you all you need to know. I want to be enthused but I'm really struggling. Again.
We lost the Easter derby last season and I feel the same will happen this time.
If last nights performance was a major improvement on last weeks then I fear the worst. The defence was only better because we were playing the weakest team in the league who are completely bereft of any confidence. Yet again we see Radfords coaching and motivating skills go from strength to strength. Bring in Yeaman to shore up the outside backs defensively against a team who have the worst scoring record in the league (88 points in 7 games). Why not bring in one of the young players (Turgut possibly) and give them a try. Why was Abdull dropped. OK he didn't have a great game last week but who did. Sneyd who is supposedly our playmaker was the worst player on the pitch. Most players know they will not be dropped no matter how badly they perform. Thats a great way to motivate them. The first 2 games we were brilliant since then Radfords coaching skills have come to the fore. We will not eradicate our problems with Radford in charge of a coaching set up that has no top level experience. We have made some excellent signings which are presumably in the main down to Motu Tony. These players must be wondering what the hell they have let themselves in for. If Adam Pearson is the businessman that I believe he is then he needs to take action before its too late. His money is currently being poured down the drain.
Didn't question the criticism, you're entitled to a view. Hence why I posted a light hearted response. I visited the thread to see what fans' thoughts were on the game & saw my name pop up.
I'll make no apology for the references to City. I was presenting, as well as commentating, on a SPORTS show that also included a big game for City - of which many of our listeners are fans of both.
As for 'inconsequential nonsense', I'm not really sure what that refers to as you never missed any significant moment of action. However, I challenge you to listen to ANY commentary/commentator and you will never get 100% of "kick, run, pass, tackle, run, pass, kick, run, pass, try" for 80 (or 90) mins. Now that would be dull.
Always open to constructive feedback btw but if you don't like the commentary, more power to ya.
What I don't expect during an RL commentary is for the commentator to break off during play to discuss another sport. Just as I wouldn't expect the commentators at the City game to break off and discuss happenings at an RL game. Presenting is fine but not during the 80 minutes of play. I also found it odd that you asked Radford for his opinion on City during the post-match. It all adds to the impression that you're more interested in soccer than RL, which I'm sure isn't the case.
And of course I don't expect 80 minutes of simple description of happenings on the field, but there is a happy medium to be struck and last night you failed to do that IMO. There were long stretches where it wasn't at all clear what was happening on the field. Not that this was a unique experience, mind you - it's a pet gripe of mine as someone who lives a long way away and has to rely on radio commentary a lot more than I'd like.
Anyway - apologies if my criticism was somewhat heavy-handed. I wasn't in a good mood during last night's game and that carried over to my first response this morning. Always nice (and unexpected) to see someone from RH engage with the fans on here.
The opposition was weak but there is a positive in our defensive resolve from last night. Success is built on defence and we will need a lot more of the same going forward. It's clear the senior (best) players are 100% behind the cause with their performances. It was noticeable how similar Miller and Sneyd are - both running touchline to touchline. Miller maybe has a little more pace than Sneyd. Both run at least 5 yards away from the opposition line which commits no one defensively. Carlos' try was made by an excellent line by Washy not any real trickery by Sneyd. He should be made to sit down and watch never ending loop videos of Sean Long's playing career. He used to commit defenders and take the ball to the line. Sure he got battered a lot of times but it's that type of player we need at scrum half.
What I don't expect during an RL commentary is for the commentator to break off during play to discuss another sport. Just as I wouldn't expect the commentators at the City game to break off and discuss happenings at an RL game. Presenting is fine but not during the 80 minutes of play. I also found it odd that you asked Radford for his opinion on City during the post-match. It all adds to the impression that you're more interested in soccer than RL, which I'm sure isn't the case.
To be fair to Mike, it was Radford who mentioned Bruce/City first.
What I don't expect during an RL commentary is for the commentator to break off during play to discuss another sport. Just as I wouldn't expect the commentators at the City game to break off and discuss happenings at an RL game. Presenting is fine but not during the 80 minutes of play. I also found it odd that you asked Radford for his opinion on City during the post-match. It all adds to the impression that you're more interested in soccer than RL, which I'm sure isn't the case.
To be fair to Mike, it was Radford who mentioned Bruce/City first.
Just watched highlights and child gave you twelve points. I can see why a lot not happy as we are nearly as bad as last year and you didn't win convincingly.