Don’t hold much hope out for this one.
How times have changed……
Batley are an outstanding championship team always punching above their weight.
If only we were that consistent, can only dream.
Don’t look the like of our pack since Thompson has left, feels like we’ve lost the glue that held them together.
Don’t know what Arundell is doing in the 2nd row or Wallace whom I don’t rate that highly. Think we are more solid with Butler / England in the back row ( I realise England is now suspended)
Will do well to get anything from this game the way we are performing recently

Backrow does look thin. Arundal isn't a forward. He has zero aggression.

I agree he's a centre, end of. I would like to see Blackmore given a go in 2nd row. He makes metres on contact

Think you’re a little hard in Wallace or any second rower that plays along side Patton when he can’t be bothered. Not sure if anyone really looks at stats but Wallace has been the top tackler the past few games and is consistently in the top 3 majority of the time. The game isn’t always about what you do with the ball but what you do without it. He had his best game when he was on the right and when that was Butler was on the left who had his worse game. The issue for me is Dec Patton. It’s obvious his head isn’t in the game and I feel he’s coasting and while he’s doing that the only attacking play he looks for is that killer ball to Gill. Change him ASAP

Pack lacked aggression and toughness v Barrow in conditions that demande. d both. If we can't beat Batley in Wembley week we have a problem regardless of team selection.

Yeah the Barrow game was reminiscent of the home game versus Sheffield last year in the driving rain when we were out enthused and certain players looked like they'd rather be anywhere else. At least on Monday we turned up for 40mins (albeit too late and we were still well below par) which was an improvement on last year (I'm clutching at straws here).

Clearly we still have a problem with attitude amongst certain players. That's something Batley never have a problem with (apart from a below par year with Diskin in charge).

On Doyle... https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... r-27456487

On Doyle... https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... r-27456487

So, no Patton today then. This will be really interesting to see how our attack fares with Lilley and Gaskill in the halves. With Wembley just round the corner for Batley, and no Dec, I'm actually feeling positive for once. Bulls to win by at least 10 points !

Playing uphill this half, Bulls keeping Batley penned into the top half of the pitch. Good arm wrestle, with Bulls on top. 0 - 10 Bulls, tries for George and Blackmore

Still some indiscipline and overplaying keeping Batley in the game, and they score after a legs in the air tackle.
6 - 10

Half time 6 - 10 Bulls. Other than a couple of episodes of sillyness, we're well on top, and should win going away playing down the slope.

10 mins gone 2nd half, better defending from Batley sees Bulls with no real chance to mount a strong attack.