I doubt it... The atmosphere was terrible.

Good start and as others have said next week will give a better impression of how much we have improved with new regime and training methods. Much leaner and meaner and more enthusiasm somehow although Feka still likes a little stroll back doesn't he

The atmosphere pre match was very good I thought. You could sense a buzz around the ground and an excitment. The fact that Crusaders were terrible didn't help during the game because the fans didn't really have a contest to watch or a part to play.

The game and the atmosphere will be much better next week and should tune us in nicely for Wire!

Can't wait for that one.

It was kind of spooky somehow wasn't it. Can't quite put my finger on why.

Probably because no away supporters to help create the atmosphere.

The atmosphere was at its best on the rare occasions the Crusaders got close to our line. It gave the crowd something to shout about. So no fans and being stuck in their own half for 90% of the game wasn't exactly a recipe for lots of noise.

Dave

Have to agree with Cadoo's first post.. O Loughlin was 100% perfect with everything he done, what a player!!

Cant think of anyone rerally that didnt shine!! Same 17 for me next week!

Thanks for the info about O Carroll guys. Hope he manages to force his way in at some point.

It always lacks occaision and atmosphere when the North stand is closed, i'm sure the players enjoyed the second half better because they played most of the half in a full [end of] stadium...

It was a an encouraging performance.

The first half started and ended abit scrappy but we played some decent stuff in between and piled alot of pressure on The Crusaders in their own half which lead to them creating many errors and ill-discilpine. We did well to capitalize and score some good close-range tries.

The second half was great. The Crusaders hardly touched the ball let alone get out of their half. Our forwards simply bettered them and just kept coming, it was clear that we were by far the fitter team and it's something that has really improved from last year. We played with structure, organization and once we laid the platform using our forwards we used to ball well outside to play some impressive stuff. It's worth mentioning that our kicking game was very good too. We found space and managed to turn the fullback and wingers on many occaision and our attacking & short kicking game terrified the opposition.

I was very impressed was Paul Deacon, his organization was top class and he was very enthusiastic. His kicking game was impressive and the one he did for Phelps' try was total precision. It looked as the Amos was loving his high kicks towards his wing too. One thing that stood out even more about Deacons game was he very quick distribution from first pass. It was almost all one movement and with the correct running angles and timing it appeared as though an overlap and space was automatically created, it was great to watch.

I thought Gleeson looked dangerous. He was shrugging off defenders, making half breaks and looking to pierce through gaps all night. With Roberts new-found pace and sharpness I think those two will create a good partnership next year.

Other mentions:

Sean O'Loughlin = Leader of the leaders. Pure class.

Sam Tomkins = Dangerous all night. THAT run he went on was awesome, it would have been one of the best idividual tries I ever saw had he pulled it off.

Andy Coley, Stuart Fielden & Feka = Lead by example though out the game.

Joel Tomkins & Lee Mossop = Big, strong and dangerous. Great, young players.

Had a quid on Mossop for last try at 50-1, at the end I was cheering for both sides defence!

Happy with the performance, but lets remember who was in front of us. Crusaders are going to the whipping boys of the league yet again. They look like an average NL1 team and no miracle work from BN is going to make any difference.

On a good note, i was please with our line defence, many times last year we were caught flat footed with a defensive line that waited for the opposition to reach us. For once after a long time waiting it seems we have a defensive line that is willing to move up and meet the runners.

Deacon looks like he is going to be a very clever signing, he doesnt need to do too much when he is on the pitch, but it gives us an attacking option that we have been missing for a few seasons. I always remember the kicking partnership that Lam and Radlinski had, looks based on last night that Deacon may have this with Phelps. That try was the highlight of the night for me.

Roberts is like a new signing! The pace he has gained in the off season is fantastic, after 2 performances i could easily see him being our top try scorer this year. Hopefully a dangerous partnership with Gleeson who looks to have bulked up from last season.

Fielden impressed me, he looks bigger and his work rate was excellent.

All in all, positive but lets not get carried away, the next 2 weeks will be a good guide to how we have improved.....or not.!

One thing that stood out for me tonight was the energy and enthusiasum of all the players. They really looked "up" for it tonight and that's not happened for many years. Defensively we were excellent, our line speed was much improved and we were a lot sharper around the play of the ball.

In previous seasons we would have conceeded first, then built up a comfortable lead and then sat back and let them in for a couple of soft tries. Not tonight, we played hard for the full 80 minutes. No-one had a bad game tonight and if that continues we are in for a cracking season.

The only downside of tonights performance was that we looked a little rusty in attack, which is only to be expected first game of the season. We are still trying to force the pass when it's not on and there are still some unforce errors occuring. Hopefully these will be ironed out in the next few weeks.

If we can keep up the intesity we showed tonight for the rest of the season we will be there or thereabouts come grand final day. Overall, a very good start to the season which is very encouraging for us fans. For the first time in a while I can't wait for next week.

The one thing that really encouraged me last night was that link up on the right hand side of attack between Joel, Gleeson and Roberts. It looked our most dangerous side and we threatened down there all night. That makes a very pleasant change because we've been a side that normally does most of it's attacking down the left through Carmont and Richards but that was probably due to us having Hock.

Another players preformence that really pleased me was Phelps. He's had his knockers in pre season and people have questioned his place but that should have stopped for at least a few games after last night. I know he wasn't hugely tested at the back but in attack he was fantastic. He chimes into the line and adds pace, power, bravery and a real eye for a pass or a kick. He scored one and set 2 up last night and you can't ask more then that.

Madge and Lenegan have been striving to acheive a real family atmosphere at the club, I thought it was obvious last night that team spirit had improved, there was a real sense of togetherness and this is important in wining games. Individual efforts (as good as they might be) will not get results - it has to be a whole consistent team approach.
Last night after the game the coaching staff, team and wives (kids etc) all sat down for a meal at 11pm- something unheard of in recent years. This imo is another important step in the right direction.

I appreciate Crusaders are a weak side and a win was to be expected but the manner in which the team did it was significant. Onwards and upwards!