Things didn't look too good early on as the Midlands' forwards were making metres on impact. Our line speed was slow at times. When in possession we weren't making the same inroads down the middle.
The Midlands then contributed to their own downfall with sin-binnings coupled with conceding plenty of other penalties. Their number seven looked lucky not to get a red card. Much of the eight minutes of added time at the end of the first half was due to the referee's inability to get his back pocket open!
We took advantage on their indiscipline and showed some slick handling to open them up. Ben Johnston was deservedly the man of the match. Jason Tali was a potent threat with ball in hand, Liam Welham couldn't handle him. Misi caused problems too near their line. Connor Robinson's goal kicking was excellent.
The positives to take from the game are that we seemed fluent in attack and built up pressure when we got the chance. My worry is that we concede metres too easily down the middle, which could come back to haunt us against the better teams in the league.
Nevertheless, an encouraging start that provides a platform to build on. I was pleasantly surprised to see the attendance was over 700. There must have been at least 200 to 300 paying on the day, in addition to season ticket holders.
I like the 'set restart' rule but the RFL must insist that every club has a hooter that's sounded when it happens. On a few occasions, I'd not seen the ref's signal and wondered when the last tackle was coming. The other thing the RFL can do to make the game better for fans is to have the stadium clock linked to the official clock. Surely in the 21st century, both of these things shouldn't prove too challenging. Surely a simple job for the timekeepers?
An intriguing battle awaits at Keighley next week...
