: Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:36 pm  

OoOGazOoO wrote:

Wheeler did what he needed to do, and took his try well.

Armstrong's defence was good, however, turn him, and he is very slow.

I wouldnt say very slow. He is faster than Meli at getting back, however it is an area where teams with fast backs such as at Hudds and Leeds, would look to exploit.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:39 pm  

paulscunthorpe wrote:

wheeler had little do do, and did little wrong too..

armstrong was hit and miss, a few mistakes, as pointed out very slow on the turn, and dropped a simple pass, also got put into touch on two occasions, but defensively very good.

nothing a bit of experience won't sort

The pass he dropped was actually quite a difficult one as he had to stretch out to try to catch it, and was actually forward from Wilkin. When he got bundled in touch it was due to being given a pass one metre from the sideline, and its something no winger could avoid.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:47 pm  

The Chair Maker wrote:

I wouldnt say very slow. He is faster than Meli at getting back, however it is an area where teams with fast backs such as at Hudds and Leeds, would look to exploit.

im not so sure, i think his positioning was probably poorer than meli's therefore making him look slower at turning around. there was one occasion were it was only for the two huddersfield players taking each other out, and a try wasn't scored. i agree with you about the pass being difficult to take in, and the first of him going into touch, the second were he caught the ball on the touchline then got tackled was a big mistake, but as i said he'll get that with experience..

i'm only trying to put some perspective on it, because if meli had done those mistakes, there'd been a lynch-mob forming now

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:47 pm  

The Chair Maker wrote:

I wouldnt say very slow. He is faster than Meli at getting back, however it is an area where teams with fast backs such as at Hudds and Leeds, would look to exploit.

No chance pal.

He is slower than Meli at turning.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:56 pm  

paulscunthorpe wrote:

i'm only trying to put some perspective on it, because if meli had done those mistakes, there'd been a lynch-mob forming now

Thats because Meli is a lot older and has much more experience. Tom Armstrong is only in his second first team game, and is only 19. He was put under some pressure by Huddersfield today - much more than he had to deal with last week. He'll learn from those mistakes, and it'll be interesting to see how he develops given the fact there seems to be no sign of Meli.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 7:58 pm  

A mountain range is quicker than Meli on the turn.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:21 pm  

paulscunthorpe wrote:

i'm only trying to put some perspective on it, because if meli had done those mistakes, there'd been a lynch-mob forming now

And Meli would have deserved it to some extent because Meli has years of experience, has been playing with us for a few years now, has been an international, etc, etc, etc. Armstrong is on his second first grade outing and his first match where the opposition has actually targetted him (Wire were a bit slow in that respect). The guy is learnnig his trade at first grade level and although I didn't see him today, from all accounts he is doing well. He's going to need months of experience at this level, not just a couple of games, for anyone to be able to really tell whether he has the ability we need. I hope he learns and grows from his experience today. For me it's just great that he can tackle, he can score and he can catch a high ball without fear or idleness. These three things alone make me want to support him while he learns.

: Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:35 pm  

OoOGazOoO wrote:

No chance pal.

He is slower than Meli at turning.

I have seen a pint of milk turn quicker than Meli.

I think Neil Armstrong did well, although he seemed a bit nervy at times. At one point in the second half I said to my mate that Gilmour was doing a two man job (when Hudds were kicking/attacking that corner).

Wheeler didn't have much to do.

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 1:31 am  

I think the important thing for us all to remember this season with regards to Armstrong is that as he is only 19 he is going to make mistakes, its inevitable.

What we shouldn't do is gloss over these few errors and overhype him early doors only to turn on him later in the season (if he continues to play in Meli's stead) or a season or so down the line when/if we lose some games and he comes up with a number of errors that contribute to that. We did this with a certain Mr Tyrer at roughly the same age and now many are hopeful he doesn't wear the redvee again.

With the franchising and the changes to the youth and overseas quota's we're hopefully going to see the number of opportunities given to the likes of Armstrong and Wheeler increase across the squad, we need to be prepared to give them all time and not expect miracles from them.

Arguably there's not a better time for us to do this than now with the playoffs being set up as they are, even with the impending losses of senior players like Long and Cunningham we should look forward to seeing the boys in play-off rugby for at least the next three years.

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 9:19 am  

Can anyone tell me how Frodsham played?