Worst defensive effort I've seen in years.

Quote: peterw "Sorry Pepe but i've got to disagree with you.

I am a staunch vikings fan but I'm a realist aswell and don't buy into the excuses that some people make.

You say that we have been carrying injuries since the start of the season ans have never been at full strength.

Here is the team that played away against Batley earlier this season in our 2nd game.

Widnes

You’ve just proven my point.

Not including Ainscough:

Gerrard. Kavanagh, Houghton, Farrell, Davies and Grady means we had 6 youngsters in the side and only two experienced props (Gannon and Pickersgill), one of which we now know was playing with a serious neck injury, and no Thomas Coyle to spell Smith at hooker due to his one-match suspension. Wasn’t that Toa’s first game back from injury too? He’s not likely to have been match-fit.

Many of these players had only played a few games together and, with a weather affected pre-season, would still have been trying to gel and get to know each others pattern of play.

This is a match that I have no doubt we would have lost under McCormack. Batley are no push-overs, especially on their own midden. No club is likely to be easy beats anymore, due to the very low salary cap. Every other club seems to have gone down the old pro route, which can give them a massive edge over a club bringing its youth through in large numbers. We’re not the only club shipping in points in this league; they all are to a certain extent.

All said and done, I’m very pleased with the start we’ve made, under the circumstances. I’m not too concerned about our defence yet. If we get our best side out with time to settle, and we’re still shipping in 30 – 40 points at home, I’d have to question what PC is doing. At the moment I’d say our disjointed defence is likely to be a symptom of injuries and lack of a settled side with some players playing out of position and some playing with injuries, lack of a good pre-season and having to start again with so many new players and the salary cap making most teams very competitive.

Personally, I’ve been impressed with what PC has achieved since he arrived at the club; we’ve definitely moved forward under him so far. I’d say he’s earned the right to be judged when he’s had a more settled side out. For now, given that we have one eye on the next licence process, I’d settle for 52 – 50 victories with a few 52 – 50 defeats