We were missing 5 - Missi, Griffin, Briggs, Ormonroyd & Baldwinson who are likely to start the first game, but as you would expect I think it will be a lot closer game in February.

The thing is, in reality these games aren't friendlies they're training sessions and as such £15 is way over the top to attend. The best festive games were always the Infirmary Cup matches against Huddersfield....that is until the giants condisendingly decided we were only suitable opponents for their under 23's. Barum Top, Hook Norton Twelve Days 5 5% Mmm!

I reckon 3, I think the 2 big lads might get a game at Leeds early doors although I do not think either of them are anywhere near SL standard and Leeds will have another long season given their signings. I also think in the first game we will get them without any Leeds players as I expect Sharp to give chances to what he has which will be a big leveler. Anyway no pressure on us as its years since we beat them at home.

I didn't go. As it happens, I couldn't, as I had other family commitments. Tbh though, I've pretty given up on these pre-season friendlies anyway. As has been said, a fiver is probably a fair price to charge if we don't treat it as a "proper" game, but with overheads, it really doesn't make sense for the club to do this.

From a fans perspective, friendlies should be fast-flowing affairs with teams trying out moves rather than any sort of "arm-wrestles". Both teams trying to show some real flair, ingenuity and showmanship to whet everyone's appetite for the coming season. Unfortunately, coaches see it more of an "enhanced" training session, and just an opportunity to try a few technical things out, blood some youngsters, or trial a couple of players in subtly different positions.

Where clubs seem to wildly miss the mark, is that a few pre-season games that folk look forward to with anticipation and enjoy attending may just set them up for coming down to watch and support for the rest of the season.

We've had far better boxing day fixtures in the past though.

rlhttps://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/rugby/halifax-rlfc/grix-boxing-day-outing-a-reality-check-for-fax-s-young-players-1-8307478rl

Well I guess thats Moore and Murrells positions in the first team safe once again. Darren Lockyer would have locked poor behind our pack in that 2nd half.

HXSparky↓
Re: Fax v Fev 26/12/16
Tue Dec 27, 2016 8:29 pm
I didn't go. As it happens, I couldn't, as I had other family commitments. Tbh though, I've pretty given up on these pre-season friendlies anyway. As has been said, a fiver is probably a fair price to charge if we don't treat it as a "proper" game, but with overheads, it really doesn't make sense for the club to do this.

From a fans perspective, friendlies should be fast-flowing affairs with teams trying out moves rather than any sort of "arm-wrestles". Both teams trying to show some real flair, ingenuity and showmanship to whet everyone's appetite for the coming season. Unfortunately, coaches see it more of an "enhanced" training session, and just an opportunity to try a few technical things out, blood some youngsters, or trial a couple of players in subtly different positions

Where clubs seem to wildly miss the mark, is that a few pre-season games that folk look forward to with anticipation and enjoy attending may just set them up for coming down to watch and support for the rest of the season.
Couple of points
You have two teams who despite it been a friendly want to win so it's still going to be competitive
If you don't give squad players time in pre season game when will they have time ? In the games that matter

Then you would properly moan about that

Blimey £15 for a glorified training session, rip off glad I didn't go!!!
Message to club we know you needed the money this time but don't repeat this again next year, stick to January games when it actually means something as players are playing for a place in the team!.

If anyone had been on Club website tickets were available for pre match purchase at half price. I paid £5 for a concession, fair price for a Friendly.

Do not be coming on here with such info! Lately it seems all people want to do is knock anything the club does and be negative. Anybody expecting much more than the team put out, needs to wake up. I am sure Marshall and Grix learned somethings about a few players. Punchard went well, but we have to be careful about pushing youngsters too fast too soon. He also has a lot to learn regarding managing the team and telling older more experienced players what he wants. Connor Robinson went well at Fullback. The youngsters in the second half got a wake up call. Likely only a couple will make it but good that we have the Dual Reg with South Wales as the Reserve System is a joke sadly. Grix was Coach for the day and probably learnt from some of his mistakes and allowed Marshall to take a look from a different viewpoint at a few things. Result means little at this stage. Maybe its our attitude and thinking that needs to be looked at not just the Clubs. I doubt we will finish in the top 5 to be honest. But we have a club and are certainly in a better position than a couple of other clubs in this League!!

I must admit before the game I questioned the logic of playing Conor at full back but I thought he went very well there before he had to move into the halves in the 2nd half. His timing into the line was good and better than we have had from our full backs recently. Plus he has good distribution so would expect him to be able to link up well with the other outside backs.

Looked good at full back. One definite positive.

Now that I've had time to reflect, I've changed my opinion on the game. £15 felt a bit much for what was produced on the pitch. But if they don't have the boxing day friendly next year, I'll have to attend family gatherings that day. And I am happy to pay £15 to dodge those.

Fullback seems to be the one big problem position we have as it seems RM is keen to give anyone and everyone a shot there as he tries to fill the position rather than actually sign a proven full back. Maybe that is down to the style of rugby he wants his full backs to play(one I think just inst possible from the quality of players available at this level) or maybe its just a case of it been a side problem of our halfs not been droppable but rather than give players a chance in their natural positions he needs to find somewhere for them to play.