Quote Alan="Alan"Actually John, he is probably the reason we won, (never mind only narrowly) in the final analysis! In the first half, he absolutely caned us for every technical offence in the book. Two team warnings and two sin binnings, plus 12/13 penalties, ensured we didn't see an awful lot of the ball in those first 40 minutes.
For some bizarre reason, he 'turned' at half time, and apparently saw London committing offences that they didn't commit in the first half. The penalty count ended up pretty even, but the second half 'about face' by Stokes, ensured we got the possession, when London were tiring, and proved just enough for us to squeeze through. Strangley, despite conceding as many 'technical' penalties as us, London didn't receive a team warning or see any of their players in the bin.
This weekend, you are likely to see another virtuoso performance from Stokes, with very little chance of seeing much from 34 excellent players. (except kicking for touch from penalties!)
Seriously, the guy can be wildly erratic, so you could be in for an uncertain, and frustrating afternoon.
P.S. Beware of Batley - they can play a bit!!'"
Have seen this many times from Stokes. I think the referees get judged on how even the penalty count is, so they make an effort to even it up as the game goes on. That and I think Stokes is guilty of refereeing with momentum, that is whoever has the momentum gets every decision, regardless of the actual infringements that happen. He never goes against the grain, so to speak.
