Our forwards might not be the biggest (18.5 stone Connor Scott aside) but they're certainly fit. Wouldn't touch Rowe with a barge pole.

Its a fair point about fitness and given the new interchange rules players with any excess weight will be found out IMO.

Thinking about the game the day afterwards (with the emotions having settled down a bit) Newcastle dominated possession in the first half with the wind at their backs. We didn't give too much away in terms of penalties, Newcastle were just very good at pinning us back.

We conceded two tries later on in the first half when some levels of fatigue were taking their toll after doing so much defending. At this point, it looked as though Newcastle were the better side and had the match there for the taking.

After a quick start for the Dons in the second half, we quickly got the wind in our sails and did to Newcastle what they'd done to us in the first half. They looked more ragged in defence than we'd looked earlier. When Matty Beharrell kicked the 40-20, Newcastle were very low on energy and struggled to get back to defend the next play from which we scored.

Our fitness levels definitely seemed to help us late on but I wonder what might have happened had we been defending into the wind in the second half when we'd have been more fatigued? Would that have taken its toll on us?

The self-belief and determination of the Dons, inspired considerably by Kes, was great to see. The lads were 'very together' and that should stand us in good stead for the rest of the season. I'm sure they all feel very proud of themselves and rightly so!

Maybe there is one important lesson to be learned from today: even when you're winning, you can't afford to let the other team gain momentum or else games can change very quickly.

I thought Beharrell was extremely influential for the Dons. We've looked a far better team since he signed last season. I do worry about how we'd cope if he got injured.

We can't get too carried away after one win, nor should we have been too disappointed had we lost (although I suspect we'd not have slept very well last night had we lost) but would we rather tackle this season with Newcastle's squad of players, or with our squad of players?

I know, it'd be nice if we could slip one or two of their better players into our squad, but on balance, I think the Dons are favourites to finish above Newcastle come the end of the season, and that's not something many people would have thought prior to yesterday's game, and it certainly isn't a thought that any of us had at half-time!

Quite where Oldham, Workington, Hunslet, and Whitehaven will feature in the mix is still anyone's guess but we'll soon have a better idea after we've played Hunslet and Workington in the forthcoming games.

Personally, I'd still be looking to 'beef up' the side with some more players from Hull in the key matches to come. Whilst yesterday was good (in the end) we're not going to come back from 22-4 very often. With a couple more lads from Hull, we could enhance our chances of not putting ourselves in that position again.

I'd have Beharrell over Flynn any day.
OK Flynn is a good general, but he doesn't have the urgency or endeavour of Beryl.

Beryl was one of the few to look good against Super league opposition.

Beryl is the best!

Some of you lot are so two faced it’s unbelievable. You make all the negative comments and think it’s ok to change your mind just like that.
Even before the game had finished. Well all I can say is get behind the lads I for one know they always give 100% whatever the outcome. I hope that’s a Lesson you will learn from and try and be positive for a change. I know that’s a lot to ask for though

Richard they are allowed to change their minds just like that .

Didn’t say that they wasn’t

Take your nannying elsewhere ...
If you can't come on and not make snide remarks about posters, you are no better than them/us.

Aren't you connected with the club in some way?
If so you are not exactly free to criticise.

being able to change your mind is a democratic right,and free speech.some on here did have a moan about the first half,and rightly so.no one could predict how much the game was going to swing.hind sights a wonderful thing.the lads were superb defensively and attacking in the 2nd half.foresight is a gift of only a few,nobody saw it coming.COYD

Yeah didn’t think it would be long. We go again
Need I say more!!! I rest my case

In answer to your question no I have nothing to do with the club just a supporter. Not that it is any business of yours. I also sponsor the club though my business for the past 20 years on and off.
And to the present day and it will continue.

Regarding the snide comments is that not what you have been putting regarding RH and the players on your Earlier posts !!!
Or is it only you that can do that and expect no Criticism


Quote “
have been warning this ...
We are a bunch of bog standards with the exception of Beharrell and Tali.
Boring to watch.
RH is a plank ... it's now official. un Quote “

That's harsh Richard. People are entitled to an opinion. It's clear you're targeting one poster who gives praise when it's due. There's only one person who's brought negativity to this thread after the win and it ain't SOIsh!

I am not referring to any one post it was SO winging not me. I don’t have a problem with any Opinions as we are all entitled to our own but when posting snide comments don’t winge about it when someone says something back

Anyway that my one and only post this year as it seems nothing has changed. Same old same old

So you sponsor them and have nothing to do with the club?
Yeah, you sure don't!

I make criticisms where I see fit and will continue to do so.
People like you will not change that.
You have very little to say on here apart from times like this when you can lecture.
If you are unfamiliar with the right to free speech, we are not.
And RH unplanked himself in the second half or do you just read selected excerpts?

Please feel free to make some comments about rugby sometime.