100 times better than last week, we almost had them at the end but it wasn't to be. Macgraff impressed again and James ford is much much better in the centre, he gets the nod over tyrer for me. Heckenberg was good going forward and nether ton was improved. It was a good crusaders side to, well done to there fans also as that was a pretty good following and they never shut up.


Much happier tonight and we still have most of the pack to come in.

i agree. besides looking a bit disorganised as energy levels understandably dropped towards the end, i was very impressed in the first half we were all over them and really should have put away two or three more tries. and until the 70th minute there we matched what was a pretty strong side with several first choice players.
all in all a good day at the office

Can only echo what has been said. Tackling and organisation was a lot better. IMO the only difference between the 2 sides were a bit of class from the likes of Moore, Lupton and Sammut and also a poor kicking game meant we couldn't clear our lines. If any of Craven, Gore or Gilmore have got a good long range kicking game then I'd stick with one of those as the starting scrum half instead of Coyle.

We look to have the basis of a decent team, but a good kicking game might make the difference against the likes of Barrow, Fev, Leigh and Fax.

Thanks for an enjoyable afternoon. Who was your number 10, he certainly was a handfull.

Young Mullally the monster

How good was Varks in the front row, i think we'll see more of him there next year.

I certainly hope so.

How did the nippers do?

Went okay Vic, gore and Gilmore were on together at the end and Tom Kelly seems like a regular now even though he's only a kid. Craven played okay and mull was a real handful at prop.

Highlight has to be Magraths hit that knocked the opposition in to next week

Yep, it's all or nothing with macgraff, big heart on that kid.

I missed the Warrington game but from the reports yesterday seemed to be an improvement and with a young side out there things are going in the right direction.

Looks to me as though Danny Craven will be the starting full back from now. Looked assured all game barring the missed tackle on Jamie Murphy at the end although he went off straight after looking injured. Great to have a big boot to touch back too.

Thought Paddy and Deano went well on the wings and would probably be my preferred combination. Paddy was unlucky a couple of times returning the ball to not get the break that would have seen him got the length.

It would seem that the centres have been quiet in getting going. Ford the pick of the three who played and looked like he could cause problems if we could get him on the outside of his opposite centre. Tyrer probably should have gone over for a try but knocked on and he seemed to struggle with his handling in the second half that he played. Tangi was quiet and fell off tackles early but then seemed to settle into the game but nothing greater than average.

Thought the props did okay. Who would have thought Varks could cut it at prop and that could be a very interesting development for us. Mullally held his own and is probably jumping up the pecking order and Hecky was solid as ever. Dave Houghton is a slight worry for me but il bear in mind where we are in our season to date.

Thought the back three of the pack where outstanding in the first half and the top three players on the pitch. That being Haggy Jnr, Macgraff and Ben Kav. Less effective in the second half when we struggled to get much yardage but I think they have caused a few selection headaches already with Finnigan adn Allen to come back and Chris Gerrard looking solid too yeaterday.

In addition I thought Chris Lunt went well too and seems to be steadily coming along. Wont be surprised to see Coyle start at scrum half so we can utilise Lunt off the bench in rotating with Netherton. Didnt think Coyle or Netherton either where as bad as some people try to make out either.

Thought Grant Gore looked a little lost when he came on and he didnt see much ball as the play tended to gravitate towards Thacks. Tom Gilmore looks special though. Fitted in for the last ten minutes with ease and some nice touches and kicks close to their line which forced a drop out late on. Still only 16 and very slight which would be the worry but I imagine him and Gore will see more gradual gametime ass the season progresses.

All in all a decent work out. Still areas to work on - Kicking game was poor again and whilst the defence seemed good we do have a tendency to drop off when the opposition attacking play breaks down (Loose pass / Miskick) and we look vulnerable and at odds in defence.

Surprised at Leuleui, he didn't play much at Leigh last season from what I remember but so far outshining any of the other new boys for me. Ropati needs to do more but it's too early to judge him.

Out of the youngsters, and not mentioned yet surprisingly, young Lunt is a cracking little player and impresses me everytime he's played so far.

Add Pickersgill, Haggerty, Finnegan and Allen to that pack and I think we'll be a lot tougher this year than last, that's if Mullaly is in the mix too.

Frodsham will also add plenty of power.

As above a good day at the office but we could deffo have come away with a win taking into account the amount of forward passes that were missed .

Nice if it would have been a draw as both teams looked disorganised and finding their feet at times.