Talk of bias referring is a bit silly after yesterday, he stank plain and simple. First half was Swinton's half, second half he gave us a lot of bad decisions (IMO).

They are a bloody good side, a bonus point against them is not to be sniffed as I don't think many will take any more of them this year

It would if you consider the 15-6 penalty count in your favour with 11-2 in the second half!
However a great game the right result and you are lucky to have such a fantastic ground.

Stand offish crowd 649 not 469

A few photos.. www.flickr.com/photos/r82photogr ... 581469030/

A few photos.. www.flickr.com/photos/r82photogr ... 581469030/

That's better, I got the numbers mixed up.

My take on yesterdays game ...

Not even gonna get into refereeing decisions, far too many strange or inconsistent ones.

Swinton started both halves better than we did and built up leads each time. I came away feeling pleased that we had stuck at it and taken a bonus point. Looking at the Lions points for and against I wonder if, whilst they are always likely to score points, they are not quite seeing out each 40 mins ... if I remember correctly, London Skolars also scored 2 late tries against them recently for an unlikely bonus point.

Had we have had other players available (Morisson, Green, Coady etc) would it have made a difference ... if I'm honest I'm not sure. What I would say is that we struggled to cope with the likes of Ainscough, Watson, Smith and Joseph for long periods and with the pace Swinton have in the backs I too think that they are in for a very decent season.

For the Dons, the late rally should give heart but the next few fixtures are difficult ones too so perhaps we could do with a few more players available to select from.

We certainly have nobody in our side that could do what Rob Foxen did.
We did keep Dodd quiet though, which was bonus.

IMO

Why does Kesik not start? - no point stating he is an impact player as even Kesik can only achieve so much when 20 points down, for me he should start.

Swinton had some class in 6 and 7 and deserved the win - just....but I thought fitness wise we were way ahead...and credit to team we at least can now compete for 80 mins plus...

Fawcett was no where to be seen until last 20 mins when he then started to make a more significant contribution....we need an 80mins half back performance every week

Spur didn't actually flatten the player it was i think Hughes who acually flattened Spur onto the man - no apparent mallice was intended and it happened right in front of where we were.

Overall a great game for all and Laughton we should be used to by now - but it is hard not to get p*ssed off with him each time...consistency across the refs would help, as some refs would have blown off side all day....that said why did we not stand 5 yards forward? as he clearly wasn't blowing for off side so we could have boxed clever with line...

I still think we will win more games than loose...COYD

I'm not sure we conceded a try while Kesik was on the pitch either


EDIT: We did, the one that looked like a double movement

I still think the reason we get him more often than most refs is that it saves the RFL petrol money to send him to the Keepmoat.

Even followed us to France though.

Totally agree regarding starting with Kesik.

The Dons really started competing with Kesik and Ely came on. I'd even be tempted to move Kesik to scrum half, and haf Ely at Hooker.

Kesik is by far the only Dons player with a rugby league brain. Someone who can spot how the game is playing.

By which time the game was lost ... makes you wonder doesn't it?
What is the point in keeping quality back if during the meantime the game is effectively lost?
You put your best players on first ... simples.
But you and I know nothing ... no doubt someone will come forward to attest to that.
If we've not played the game itself that means we know nowt.
We do however have eyes and brains.

Still we mustn't point out what anyone can see must we, it upsets folk.

Agree that Kes is a player that can turn a game, and should start unless he's not fit enough for 80mins, but as for playing him at 6/7 i can't see because imo he's too much of an individual player to play there.
He's in his best position as it gives him more ball time from acting half where he can show that his line speed is good, causing opposition defences to be scrambling.