Swinton Lions

Well think that was another solid performance. After playing such a forwards dominated game our forwards are now passing it to a back running on before the opposition gets to them which is creating gaps, very good to see & hopefully will work as a 2nd game plan for if one doesn't work. Reynolds was excellent again & despite the jet lag and his debut Drinkwater did OK, there was no drop in quality wen he replaced Ridy; it's going to create a selection headache for Jukes. Good as the last 2 games have been our defence hasn't really been tested but wee still look a bit dubious in broken play, hopefully that can be worked on.

Without wanting to go on too much of a rant they say without refs we wouldn't have a game but today that wasn't the case, he looked to the touch judges for every decision even when it was happening right in front of him, & allowed the TJs to over rule him despite having the better view. It was telling when it all (inevitably) kicked off it was the match commissioner/4th official who was down on the pitch, separating players & who spotted the player on the bench who was involved; it's just embarrassing when the match commissioner has to ref the game.

Today brought up my 3 least favourite rules too, all applied correctly but all need changing in my opinion. 1. 8 Point try is only for fouls in the grounding of the ball, so you can smack a player round the head & if he scores you get away with it. 2. Double Movement, if you're defending your own try line it should be your responsibility to keep the player from scoring until the ref calls the tackle complete. 3. Retaliation shouldn't be punished the same as 1st offence, what do the RFL want players to do? Lie there being beaten suffering career ending concussion?

Ah well, another good win, another improvement in quality. Can't wait for next week at Blackpool, we'll really get to see just how much we have improved in recent weeks.