I missed the Warrington game but from the reports yesterday seemed to be an improvement and with a young side out there things are going in the right direction.
Looks to me as though Danny Craven will be the starting full back from now. Looked assured all game barring the missed tackle on Jamie Murphy at the end although he went off straight after looking injured. Great to have a big boot to touch back too.
Thought Paddy and Deano went well on the wings and would probably be my preferred combination. Paddy was unlucky a couple of times returning the ball to not get the break that would have seen him got the length.
It would seem that the centres have been quiet in getting going. Ford the pick of the three who played and looked like he could cause problems if we could get him on the outside of his opposite centre. Tyrer probably should have gone over for a try but knocked on and he seemed to struggle with his handling in the second half that he played. Tangi was quiet and fell off tackles early but then seemed to settle into the game but nothing greater than average.
Thought the props did okay. Who would have thought Varks could cut it at prop and that could be a very interesting development for us. Mullally held his own and is probably jumping up the pecking order and Hecky was solid as ever. Dave Houghton is a slight worry for me but il bear in mind where we are in our season to date.
Thought the back three of the pack where outstanding in the first half and the top three players on the pitch. That being Haggy Jnr, Macgraff and Ben Kav. Less effective in the second half when we struggled to get much yardage but I think they have caused a few selection headaches already with Finnigan adn Allen to come back and Chris Gerrard looking solid too yeaterday.
In addition I thought Chris Lunt went well too and seems to be steadily coming along. Wont be surprised to see Coyle start at scrum half so we can utilise Lunt off the bench in rotating with Netherton. Didnt think Coyle or Netherton either where as bad as some people try to make out either.
Thought Grant Gore looked a little lost when he came on and he didnt see much ball as the play tended to gravitate towards Thacks. Tom Gilmore looks special though. Fitted in for the last ten minutes with ease and some nice touches and kicks close to their line which forced a drop out late on. Still only 16 and very slight which would be the worry but I imagine him and Gore will see more gradual gametime ass the season progresses.
All in all a decent work out. Still areas to work on - Kicking game was poor again and whilst the defence seemed good we do have a tendency to drop off when the opposition attacking play breaks down (Loose pass / Miskick) and we look vulnerable and at odds in defence.
