The Barrow game : Mon Apr 08, 2019 1:10 pm  

I have heard criticism of our performance yesterday, and in particular our defence. Yet, am I alone, in having enjoyed the game?

I thought the style of rugby we played was very good to watch and we performed, for the most part, at high speed. (The report in the Barrow newspaper felt they couldn't cope with our speed of play) We scored some excellent tries and, to be fair, Barrow contributed significantly to what I thought was an enjoyable spectacle. There were 27 penalties in the game, (if you see the offence, you have to punish it) yet the game still seemed to flow!

Defensively, we were ok, apart from getting caught cold at the start of the second half, and the last five minutes, when we appeared tired. Ten minutes of huge pressure, when playing with eleven men, couldn't have helped us there!

So, once again, we have been served a very watchable game, against an opposition who were determined to play rugby. Well done both teams! And, for those of you who aren't going, you are missing out on some good, competitive entertainment, from a team that is playing with immense pride and spirit.

Incidentally, a caller to Radio Manchester thought Ben Thaler was out of order sin-binning two players (Marsh and Cator) for delaying the ptb. What appeared to happen, was that Marsh was binned for that offence (no complaints there) and then the touch judge reported Cator for something dangerous in the tackle and that is what the ref appeared to be signalling when he gave Joe the yellow. You could say it was a brave decision, which made for a highly interesting ten minutes! Whatever the thoughts on Thaler, (and I like him) every decision he gave, he was right on the spot, when the offence was committed. I guess the players must think highly of him, because they just got on with the game, instead of moaning!

Re: The Barrow game : Mon Apr 08, 2019 5:14 pm  

I'd heard Taylor as the ref and thought nothing of it until I saw the mannerism and the strict but fair rule enforcement, then it all made sense.

Thought the game took a while to get going, everyone feeling out each other and Thaler but it was a damn sight more enjoyable than the second half against Rochdale.

Full marks to Pownall not being binned and also to Barrow for not heeding the fact that Thaler likes to penalise back chat the first time it happened.

I thought Barrow were good for their points, some nice off loads and speed to them which caught us napping quite a few times, especially in the last 10 when Leigh looked like they'd got it in the bag and just decided to stop playing.

Think Cator was cited for a dangerous throw, don't know if they'll be any follow up in disciplinary.

Thornley was a soild MoM for me; Hood, Cator, T. Adamson, McNally and Douglas all stood out, as usual as did Swift.

Wood needs to work more on his high kicks, they are quite poor. But overall the squad discipline was much better.

Re: The Barrow game : Mon Apr 08, 2019 8:13 pm  

Deeeekos wrote:

I'd heard Taylor as the ref and thought nothing of it until I saw the mannerism and the strict but fair rule enforcement, then it all made sense.

Thought the game took a while to get going, everyone feeling out each other and Thaler but it was a damn sight more enjoyable than the second half against Rochdale.

Full marks to Pownall not being binned and also to Barrow for not heeding the fact that Thaler likes to penalise back chat the first time it happened.

I thought Barrow were good for their points, some nice off loads and speed to them which caught us napping quite a few times, especially in the last 10 when Leigh looked like they'd got it in the bag and just decided to stop playing.

Think Cator was cited for a dangerous throw, don't know if they'll be any follow up in disciplinary.

Thornley was a soild MoM for me; Hood, Cator, T. Adamson, McNally and Douglas all stood out, as usual as did Swift.

Wood needs to work more on his high kicks, they are quite poor. But overall the squad discipline was much better.

Pretty much how I saw it Deeeekos. Thought Ridyard was good too.

Re: The Barrow game : Mon Apr 08, 2019 8:56 pm  

Duffy said it was not good enough,and awful to watch.He put it down to mentality and attitude. He said we've not been cut up down the middle like that all season,but credit to Barrow. I agree with him.

Re: The Barrow game : Mon Apr 08, 2019 9:49 pm  

Cokey wrote:

Duffy said it was not good enough,and awful to watch.He put it down to mentality and attitude. He said we've not been cut up down the middle like that all season,but credit to Barrow. I agree with him.

Derek I like John Duffy, as a Coach and a man , he says what he thinks and doesn’t pussyfoot around with sugary excuses.After the Bradford game he apologised to the fans for the teams performance,and I agree about how Barrow exploited us down the middle.They seemed at times faster than us, before the game you and me spoke about the game and you were right about the score for Leigh, never did I expect us to leak in 30points.We both agreed about the performances of players , Marsh being one, he still doesn’t convince me.I think if we can keepSwift at Centre add Thorniley in the other spot we have a potent attacking weapon.McNally links with the line perfect,I’ve been impressed with him.With a bit of luck we could even get as high as 3rd or 4th spot.

Get the Cup out of the way and it’s possible to go on a winning run,Fax , York, and Sheff all have to come to the LSV yet , for me the future is bright, with Duffy at the helm, even brighter.Even I’m being positive now, not a bad crowd either.Cmon you Leythers.Charlie knows.

Re: The Barrow game : Tue Apr 09, 2019 8:27 am  

We'll have a patched up side Thursday lads, don't think it'll be a case of 'getting the cup out the way' at all for you, definitely reasonably close.

Re: The Barrow game : Tue Apr 09, 2019 9:22 am  

ChampagneSuperRovers wrote:

We'll have a patched up side Thursday lads, don't think it'll be a case of 'getting the cup out the way' at all for you, definitely reasonably close.

Our problem is a lack of numbers, without our D/R players. Mind you, 'our own' players put on their (arguably) best display of the season, winning at Sheffield, in the previous round.

Re: The Barrow game : Tue Apr 09, 2019 10:42 am  

Alan wrote:

Our problem is a lack of numbers, without our D/R players. Mind you, 'our own' players put on their (arguably) best display of the season, winning at Sheffield, in the previous round.

Will Douglas, Swift, Richardson and whoever else not feature because they'll be cup tied for Saints then?
Think we can add McGuire, Tomkins, Hauraki to a list of 5 or so out injured for Thursday. Maybe Jewitt to return.

Squads are up in a bit, I think both clubs need to get it right with obviously more important games next Friday

Re: The Barrow game : Tue Apr 09, 2019 11:28 am  

McGuire, Tomkins and Hauraki have been named in the 19 for us, but would expect at least 1 or maybe 2 out of the 3 to drop out.
Masoe and Lunt have been rested and there's no Jewitt again. A potential debut for Owen Harrison who's been on loan at Dewsbury though.

Our forwards are light but the backs are strong. If Leigh muscle up down the middle, they have a chance.

Re: The Barrow game : Tue Apr 09, 2019 12:53 pm  

Saints players weren't allowed to figure at Sheffield at Saints' request. (I presume) On the basis that they, (Saints) are more likely to get to Wembley than Leigh. You should get to see Joe Cator, and Ian Thornley - both of whom are playing very well - and we should get to see Craig Hall and Ben Crooks again.