Halifax game

Quote: bishops finger "ive heard Keal Carlile was top notch though

Played at scrum half thought he was ineffective although Fax to their credit snuffed him out with constant pressure whenever he had the ball - he was on the receiving end of a few big hits from Ambler and their stocky centre Taylor. He did have opportunities to run the ball from dummy half but it doesn't seem to be in his DNA. Boudebza tried but Kaye dominated that area of play (and was my MoTM).

As someone has already remarked, Fax were very tight whereas Rovers were disorganised and lacked any real penetration. What disappointed me most was not seeing the defensive resolve Chester is suppose to be accountable for, but this was more apparent when Horne went off injured, who had his usual good show.

I agree with the comments about Kris Welham, he looks as though he has shrugged off last seasons doldrums but could have shielded his wingman more, something's never change.

The player I was most disappointed with was Josh Guzdek; I know he is coming back from injury but he did himself no favours yesterday.

The opposite cannot be said about Matty Marsh, who after a slow start began to dominate and probe before his injury; he took a couple of 'unfriendly' follow through's but Fax came over to play, even Jason Netherton got the treatment, and that was a striking difference to me and reflected in the final score.

The consensus from those I spoke to after the match was how Rovers coaching staff had underestimated Fax, that's one theory, but you have to trial the youngsters and it did seem the right time to do so. At least Chester and Poching have more insight on the progress of the u19s, for sure they will be very happy with Matty Marsh.