I was clearly at a different game.

I thought we showed some invention in the first half, we were running diagonally and passing back, dummying a pass back etc. It was super duper league but in slow motion. Clearly they are learning new moves and the pace will pick up the more they try them out, it was good to see things develop in that way. For two long we have had the one move where we dummy the prop. Yawn. Now we seem to have 3 or 4 moves and we can mix it up. This will really start to rack up points as we approach the second half of the season.

I thought reid was good for a first game with limited time with the lads. He looks fitter than Lowe already and we just need to give him time to get match fit. Perhaps the offload was a case of trying to hard to impress on day one, but I am sure by week 3 or 4 with us, he will be doing that and the other lads will be ready for it.

As others I didn't think anyone had a day off. In particular I thought our defence got right into them in the first half. We were back on our own 40 after their 5th tackle kicks. That meant the bulk of the game was down their end. I imagine we tired a little in the second half and so could not get into them and so kept a strong line whilst they ran at us in the second half.

We didn't respond to any of the thuggery they always try and dish out. Mapals the only one mouthing off and giving us trouble on our own 10 yard line. But at least he only did it once.

Shicks made some good runs through the middle, created largely because for once we seemed to use our props to make 10 quick yards, get up, play the ball and upset their own prep for the next run. Two or three runs through the middle with the prop getting up quick will always catch a team offside and if tehy are not offside then they are 30 yards further back after the third tackle.

Only slightly negative thing for me and indeed it is actually positive in some respects. Presley is clearly good at his job, but, he needs to stick his chest out and convince himself he is good. Too often he just takes a ball and then passes it wide when the player in front is 5-8 yards away, he draws nobody in to him to free up he winger mates and also makes few attemps to run through. Yet, when he does, by god he is through quickly to score a try. John, (the same goes for Cragi F aswel) you are good, get a hurry on and convince yourself so you make those dart throughs more often.

A great win, third in the table, big games against dews and oldham could really set us up nicely, although can't take blackpool or indeed anyone for granted.

Clearly a lot of work has been done in the last two weeks, it was a great game to watch. Thanks

I have to say I agree with reborn. I thought we did very well today. It was slightly frustrating at times as it seemed Swinton were intent on dragging us into fighting, like York the previous game, but this time we held our nerve, was much more patient, and then managed to grind out the win. The tries we scored were all very good. I also agree about Presley. I think he is a great player, his try scoring record speaks for itself, but you only have to speak to him in the bar to know that he is a shy lad, who I think, tries to please everyone, and not be too greedy, when sometimes he should do just that and attack the line more.
Looking forward to Blackpool next weekend. Anyone who is going please either PM me or Rach to hear about the £18 deal we have sorted. We need to know definite numbers by Tuesday, so if you are interested please lets us know

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