Semi final York : Mon Sep 19, 2022 11:07 am  

Well that was a surprise wasn’t it? But totally deserved. Ironically, the match seem to turn on Jamie Ellis going off injured, which allowed Liam Harris to control the game along with Chris Clarkson. I think we can discount the 100 point League game as Ford has admitted he rested several players and only had 12 men on the pitch for the latter stages, but he has been subsequently vindicated. Will he use the same attacking mentality shown in the 2nd half at Fax or will this be rugby league suicide? We will have to wait and see. My prediction - home win 28-6.

Re: Semi final York : Mon Sep 19, 2022 12:14 pm  

Biggest game of the season so far. Most important play offs since the middle 8s that saw us get into SL. Need to show York respect strong team spirit and good coach will challenge us and poss throw some unexpected tactics at us. Last result against them is irrelevant.

Re: Semi final York : Mon Sep 19, 2022 1:05 pm  

If all fit i think starting 13 picks itself, The four on the bench isn't so easy. I'd go Ipape, Nakabuwai, Ioane, and O'Donnell. Josh, Keenan, and Ben to miss out.

Re: Semi final York : Mon Sep 19, 2022 3:35 pm  

I cannot see anything other than a comfortable Leigh win. I will be surprised if we do not put over 40 on them.

Yes, the recent result is irrelevant, save for the fact that those who did play and who will face Leigh again have the psychological scarring of knowing that they are simply not of the same standard. It is hugely difficult to pick yourself up as a player knowing that you are a distant second best to the players opposite.

For me the first game at York in February has more relevance. The weather was dirty that day and the ball was a bar of soap. York held Leigh for the first 40 minutes and many of those who played in that game will be back for York on Sunday. But, but, but, the team we put out then was not as strong as the team we have now and we ended up giving them a tonking in the second half and scored over 40 unanswered points. If I remember correctly a certain unheralded PNG number 9 came on as a sub in that second half to make his Leigh debut, and the rest as they say is history.

York's biggest performance of the season came on Sunday. Next weekend it will be business as usual. Leigh to win comfortably.

Re: Semi final York : Mon Sep 19, 2022 4:41 pm  

I forecast comfortable wins in our two remaining games.

All we have to do is continue playing our game, giving 100% in the effort areas and we won't be stopped.

I believe this side has no competition at this level, so long as they keep their heads straight and feet on the ground. I believe they will do both.

Re: Semi final York : Mon Sep 19, 2022 5:44 pm  

Agreed Mick TL.

What wouldn't help is if we go a man down against Fev or are on the wrong end of a number of poor refereeing decisions or are just plain unlucky on the day with the bounce of the ball.

If everything is fair and even, we win the final. My confidence and conviction that this is what will happen has not changed a jot over the past few months, probably since we trounced and nilled Batley at Mount Unpleasant and then the 1895 Cup Final in May when for me the tide was shown to have changed well and truly in our favour.

Re: Semi final York : Tue Sep 20, 2022 6:29 pm  

58-6 simple`s.

Re: Semi final York : Wed Sep 21, 2022 9:33 pm  

Jack Gaskell wrote:

Agreed Mick TL.

What wouldn't help is if we go a man down against Fev or are on the wrong end of a number of poor refereeing decisions or are just plain unlucky on the day with the bounce of the ball.

If everything is fair and even, we win the final. My confidence and conviction that this is what will happen has not changed a jot over the past few months, probably since we trounced and nilled Batley at Mount Unpleasant and then the 1895 Cup Final in May when for me the tide was shown to have changed well and truly in our favour.

That works in both ways. The players discipline has been exemplary all season. Why would that change now? One hiccup with Neme but other than that true professionalism throughout the season.

Re: Semi final York : Sat Sep 24, 2022 4:57 pm  

Hope that Nene has got his defence sorted as it has been poor in the last few games

Re: Semi final York : Sat Sep 24, 2022 6:04 pm  

mac2010 wrote:

Hope that Nene has got his defence sorted as it has been poor in the last few games

He does occasionally leave his lane and take the inside man instead of trusting his inside teammate and sticking to his man. That said, he is also an immense attacking threat. He will make a big positive difference at some point in this and the final (should we make it).