I thought Ben Evans did alright for Bradford considering it was his SL debut today and returning from a long injury lay-off.

Yep, another four of our victorious u20s side from last year made their SL debuts this weekend.

There is a good report on our game in the Guardian, the author sums up what most of us have been saying not just about yesterday's game but the way all is geared for the play offs. It's a good read . www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/ap ... tch-report

There is a good report on our game in the Guardian, the author sums up what most of us have been saying not just about yesterday's game but the way all is geared for the play offs. It's a good read . www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/ap ... tch-report

Danny Bridge looked a bit nervous, which is only to be expected. And he lost yards in a couple of his runs with the ball. He still has a fair amount to learn in changing the angle of attack, and body positioning when taking the ball up. But he certainly didn't look out of place. Riley looked more assured, but didn't make too much yardage. I would like to see him hitting the line with a bit more speed as with his weight, he should be able to do some damage. Both of them defended and tackled well. Ben Evans looked lively when he came on, but seemed to tire quickly, which considering he has not played all season is hardly surprising. I remember Ben Currie having his debut - his orders seemed to be 'tackle everything in sight and don't try and do any fancy moves'. He has developed well this season and is much more of a handful in the tackle now. So I suppose we shouldn't expect too much of these lads straight away. They need to get used to the speed of SL and gain a bit of confidence.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Chris Hill (or if they have I've clearly not read the thread fully), I thought he had a great game. When it started raining in the second half and we couldn't hold the ball I don't think he dropped it once when he had it. I agree with others that Higham looked excellent again and the amount of tackling that Waterhouse does is unreal.

Personally i thought Hill was man of the match. On another note, i'm happy we didn't splash the reported 250k on John Bateman, he never stands out when i see Bradford and yesterday he was completely outshone by Ben Currie.

Once again the awarding of points for the Albert Goldthorpe medal in League Express takes the Michael:

3 pts: Ben Currie
2 pts: Micky Higham
1 pt: Jarrod Sammut

Now whilst I may not agree with Currie and Higham getting the 3 and 2 points respectively I can appreciate there is a case to be made however how on earth anybody could rate Sammut as the best half-back on the pitch yesterday is beyond logic. Myler and Ratchford were head, shoulders, torso, groin, thigh, knees and shins above Sammut yesterday.

I thought sammut played well at the start until he gave away the first play the ball infringement then his head completely wobbled.

as stated previously, Myler and Ratchford easily better than the Bratfurd halves

Totally agree. Yet again Chris Hill made great metres and one hit he put on Scruton left him on his haunches after the PTB. My mom followed by Myler and Waterhouse. Can't see Ben Currie playing any more academy rugby.

Could somebody find Atkins thumbs and sew them back on please.

I thought your mum had an excellent game. That sidestep to beat the cover late on was excellent, although I do wish she would stop doing her swan-dive when she gets over the try line.

Ben Currie is one of the best young back rowers in this country along with Ward and Bateman.

bateman spent most of yesterdays game acting like his surname was March.

Bateman was surprisingly quiet, and also Whitehead, who I also rate.

With regards to Currie, I don't think a lot of people are aware that he also has an excellent rugby brain. I suspect you may well see him as Wire captain in 5-6 years time.

Ward unfortunately has damaged his shoulder again. That could be bad news for somebody of his tender years, he has a lot of 'knockabout' to come yet.