Batley will never make it easy but fax by a panthers whisker

Just back from the game, thought the first half was poor with far too many mistakes and very poor discipline. I thought the second half perfromance was really good as we tidied a few things up and went about completing our sets and in the end it was a pretty comfortable win. I thought Widdop was brilliant in particular his kicking game in the second half and although I have said before I am not too sure about the merits of his signing, he is clearly not here for a holiday or wind down. It was clear to see that from a couple of kick chases in that second half and I do look forward to seeing how he goes on a better pitch. A good win but Widnes will be a tougher test next week.

A well deserved win. We never really looked like being in trouble. I’d like to see the six again count and penalty count. Are we really that indisciplined and we’re Batley that clean? I think not, ref wasn’t great. Against a better team we would lost this game but we defended really well hope Keyes past his HIA. He didn’t look great coming off. Tangata had great game. Jouffret is getting better and better. A top player.

Despite the conditions i enjoyed the game. Both teams did well considering the weather with very few handling errors.
I thought Joufrett and Widdop defended magnificently and nullified many a Batley attack with good reads. Widdop particularly was often in the right place to sweep up Batley`s kicks.
Every player put his body on the line and made good yards with ball in hand. The team`s defensive effort of our line for multiple sets was immense on what must have been a stamina draining pitch.
Considering many people have said we are a dry hard pitch team we did not fare too bad.

Thought defensively Fax were excellent against a big forward pack, that was perfectly suited to the conditions. Thought Inman just about deserved his MOTM, Fairbank showed what a big miss he was last week. Agree about Widdops improved performance, he showed today a willingness to really graft as well as kicking effectively. Personally would be happy to see him given a try as an old fashioned ball playing loose forward, allowing Keyes to play in the halves - bringing Keyes on to play at hooker is a waste, and as happened today risks him getting injured. Certainly do not rate Connor Davies even though you can't fault his effort.
Batley looked fairly limited - in decent conditions think margin of victory would have been a lot more. Have to say I didn't notice Brandon Moore today until he was substituted.
Some interesting results elsewhere - particularly Bulls win at Featherstone.

I thought both sides did pretty well considering the conditions. Fairbank started well and set up Tom for his try and Tangata Lannon and Olly Davies all made good contributions off the bench. Keyes did not look good coming off the pitch so i would be surprised if he is good to go next week, which should be a interesting challenge against the undefeated Vikings.