More the loss of Daz Fletcher IMO. There's still good enough players there but it shows what a great job Daz was doing.

Why they couldnt have found him a full time community role which incorporated his U20s duties at a decent wage is beyond me!

First time I've seen the 20's this year (Friday night 6pm kick-offs ideal for me). Observations from tonight would be that we look fine in the forwards. We more than matched Saints in that department.

Poor at half back including an awful kicking game compared to Saints. To be fair the number 6 showed some glimpses towards the end when he started to take on the line. Hard to judge the rest of the back line off poor service/lack or organisation. Looked weak defensively out wide also particularly on the left hand side but some credit must go to Saints' attack on that side. Their number 3 looked a goodun.

A bit harsh on Hampshire (6) who is only seventeen years of age and in his first year after the U16's last year. He was up against Gaskell who has played at Superleague level. Four years is a big difference and to be fair I thought Burgess on the wing did a decent job v Foster (again giving four years away)
Hampshire made the break in the first half that should have brought a try but for the forward pass. I would like to have seen him take the opposition on more as he is very quick but probably needs to develop a little more physically.

The Saints centre was Mark Percival from Widnes who is a very good prospect indeed.

Surely our first choice under 20's team with a couple of first team players will get to the GF in the play-offs?

Loads are out on dual reg... some are in the first team... loads of lads are being asked to play above their current age group. Like you say Hampshire number 6! Playing against Gaskell with bags of super league experience in a key position.

Caught this game and the Hull game last week, admit the no.6 Hampshire made a couple of errors in the saints game but think he is an exciting prospect. Most exciting half back I've seen in a while and he has the pace to match, think the occasion got to him a touch v saints which is understandable considering his age but he will only get better, definitely one to watch. Think the future is bright with the 18 prospects, backs Tierney and Burgess looking strong and will only get better both only being 17. Lever is flying under the radar but has a few 20s games under his belt and done well so despite the 20s bad run I think there is certainly something to look forward to.