Was a good game of rugby that, two even sides. The atmos at the end was like winning the World Cup and Eurovision Song Contest combined!
What a great performance from the team and an exciting game that either side could have won, right to the final whistle. Both defences were on top and there was not a great deal of free flowing rugby, but an exciting game for fans. The enthusiasm and commitment of the players was palpable, with Tyrer being the main cheerleader for the crowd. I really cannot figure out how this team could have shipped 60 points against Whitehaven, but I guess that inconsistency sums up the season.
I agree with the comments on here. Farnworth was exceptional both in running with the ball and hard tackles; Smith showed his worth to the team and it would be good if we can squeeze another season out of him; Clough, who ran in tirelessly, showed exactly why we need a big experienced forward; and the whole team showed a commitment and enthusiasm that has sadly seemed to have been lacking in most games this season. Someone needs to tell Lawton that he does not have to try to offload the ball in every tackle, but that does not detract from his contribution to an excellent performance from the whole team.
From the chat and comments around us in the North Stand there were quite a few 'new' speccies, or at least ex speccies.
The climax and the sheer effort got the crowd going with a lot staying and just clapping the lads like the old days!!! The sad time wasting and manipulated penalties from the Bulls was poor and gave us the feeling that we were being cheated, but it worked the other way, possibly annoying a good young ref!
Sadly the highlights video, or even the full video won't equal actually being there!!!!!
As matches go i loved that today, it was not a perfect performance and defences were on top. Neither team looked like they were capable of breaching the opposition without the aid of end of set kicks. Farnworth was immense, as has been said by multiple other people. Tyrer seemed very fired up, and Smith was excellent today, when he went off for a spell you could see our organisation fall off. Craven’s kicking game was good but did very little with the ball in hand. I think we need something fresh in the halves, We need Craven to step up a level next year and we need a decent partner for him. With Smith at 13, Craven in the halves and Owens at FB, if we could get a good dangerous running Half we would be looking very good for next year with the forwards looking a like a much better cog in the wheel. Atmosphere was also better today, wish there were more there to see/feel it but more days like today will be welcome indeed. Club need to put a big push on promoting the club ready for next season, get bums in seats and deliver like today and we will be back on our way up.
Pascal agrees with you mate and a top half back with Craven would help considerably. Buy a few rugged props and a winger to replace Cross we can improve next year. Pity we can’t keep Cross and signing Smithy another year be good.
Pascal needs to stop talking in the 3rd person. It makes him sound like a complete bellend! 🙂
We needed that.
Exciting game not the best in terms of quality but sheer determination in getting the result. It's all we ask for.
Bradford had enough ball in the second half to win 2 games, defence was significant in getting the result, led by the likes of Farnworth and surprised Clough isn't get more mentions, huge impact.
Craven's kicking game very good, impressed with Hulme, Tyrer, Smith. Lawton's worse game all year and ironically involved in the match winning penalty going in for the second bite of the cherry in the tackle.
Hopefully this lifts some spirits over the off season, I'd expect us to beat Swinton and if we do it's 5 wins out of the last 6 games. Bar the Haven nightmare we've finished the season off ok considering we weren't in the play off mix.
I cannot add to what has already been said about yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed it in the North Stand forsaking the south one for once.
Looking forward IMO 1. Clough will take an awful lot of replacing. He has been immense for us & would love to know from any statistician how many games we lost when he has played. I know it is not many.
2. We are wasting money signing any more wingers. Spedding is a ready made replacement.
3. Sign up Hulme, Smith, Roby, Else, Tilleke from present squad. May have forgotten the odd one.
- Add Hatton , Edge & Brooke's to the above retentions.
- Add Hatton , Edge & Brooke’s to the above retentions.
Shane Grady?
It reminded me of that John Player Trophy match we played against Bradford in the 80's when we beat them 2 points to 1. Andy Gregory & Ste O'Neill kicking a drop goal each against one from Bradford. A game dominated by defence; tense right up to the final whistle.
- Add Hatton , Edge & Brooke’s to the above retentions.
Shane Grady?
I would certainly hope so! He is a grafter and that is what we need.
Looking at the number of this year's squad leaving or retiring I would be incline to retain those still available plus certainly 2 or even 3 experienced props if possible. Bennion is still scoring tries at Hornets and they are looking hard at their budget!
As matches go i loved that today, it was not a perfect performance and defences were on top. Neither team looked like they were capable of breaching the opposition without the aid of end of set kicks. Farnworth was immense, as has been said by multiple other people. Tyrer seemed very fired up, and Smith was excellent today, when he went off for a spell you could see our organisation fall off. Craven’s kicking game was good but did very little with the ball in hand. I think we need something fresh in the halves, We need Craven to step up a level next year and we need a decent partner for him. With Smith at 13, Craven in the halves and Owens at FB, if we could get a good dangerous running Half we would be looking very good for next year with the forwards looking a like a much better cog in the wheel. Atmosphere was also better today, wish there were more there to see/feel it but more days like today will be welcome indeed. Club need to put a big push on promoting the club ready for next season, get bums in seats and deliver like today and we will be back on our way up.
Pascal agrees with you mate and a top half back with Craven would help considerably. Buy a few rugged props and a winger to replace Cross we can improve next year. Pity we can’t keep Cross and signing Smithy another year be good.
Pascal needs to stop talking in the 3rd person. It makes him sound like a complete bellend!
Oh boy you making Pascal feel so horney now. 😍💙
What’s Sam Hopkins doing these days?
We missed the Oldham game due to a family bereavement. So it was great to celebrate such a win. Good to hear singing and swearing! Even the sarcastic cheer when Lawton caught a pass!
hopefully get to Swinton next week.
What’s Sam Hopkins doing these days?
According to LE at Rochdale.
- Add Hatton , Edge & Brooke’s to the above retentions.
Shane Grady?
I would certainly hope so! He is a grafter and that is what we need. Looking at the number of this year’s squad leaving or retiring I would be incline to retain those still available plus certainly 2 or even 3 experienced props if possible. Bennion is still scoring tries at Hornets and they are looking hard at their budget!
How could I forget him? Yes add on. I think that means if those resigned takes us to around 20 in the squad. I would like to see 30 signed up but think it is more likely to be around 26 or so.