18 replies to this topic

[Bryce]

Thought we were really impressive again today, especially in the first half. Some strange decisions from the ref, he missed alot, especially the blatant late shot on Ainscough just after he'd broken through the line.

We outclassed Oldham time and again and deserved to win by more than we did. The only thing keeping them in the game was Rodens kicking.

How good was Ashall when he came on!? Really impressed me.

A decent win against Gateshead next week and we might even qualify for the quarters.

[mark richardson]

Couldnt agree more Bryce. Rigby was outstanding and Dodd had his best game for us in my opinion. Plus he kicked a perfectly good conversion which was disallowed!

[marshy1]

Superb first half performance which threatend to blow Oldham away.

We again struggled with the kicking of conversions despite having a perfectly good one disallowed and it may be useful to work on this area of the game.

Oldham came strong in the second half and scored some good tries themselves but for once I felt confident we would win such was our class.

All in all a very entertaining game and it was good to at last beat Oldham which hasn't happened much in recent seasons.

Well done Lads keep up the good work.

[Furryenzo]

Referee was very disappointing today, tarnished what could have been a really entertaining 80 mins, but the whole second half was dominated by dubious decisions, not saying he was biased towards oldham (although it seemed like that for some periods), he was bad for both sides. Cant believe that linesman missed lucas whats-his-faces' blatant punch to the face on ainscough, he was stood literally a yard away.

Fair play to oldham they came out a much better side in the second half but still believe we completely outclassed them (cant remember the last time I said that). Think the score should have been more like 42-16, however a win is a win, lets try and put on a full 80 min display against gateshead.

I want to say we still need to cut out the penalties, however I didnt agree with at least half of the referees decisions today. We need to work on:

1. Starting stronger and doing the basics in the first 10 mins (not knocking on and throwing the ball into touch in our own 20)
2. Goal kicking (although doddy did get denied one )
3. Performing for the full 80 regardless of whether were winning by 40 points or losing by 40.

[PhillH]

There's no substitute for actually winning matches. Would have been nice to deny Oldham the bonus point and a bit alarming for the Roughyeds to close to within 4 points in the second half. Looking at the table, the bonus point puts Oldham level with Swinton on 4 points, but in all likelihood the Lions should stay ahead of the Roughyeds next week given the fixtures.

Really good to hear that Ashall is looking a prospect, Mark Smith was very complimentary about him in a recent interview which is a good sign for team harmony. While its nice to have some star quality in the squad in terms of players who are already well known in the game, as a fan there is nothing better than seeing a young talent emerge and grow. This season the Lions look very well staffed indeed at 9 and its a very nice scenario for Ashall to develop as he can be used selectively, but we do need to learn from the Alex McClurg scenario and make sure Ashall gets enough game time. Steve McCormack is striking a nice balance thus far.

Very interesting battle for the full back slot too. Ian Mort goes in for 2 tries last week and narrowly misses a hat-trick at Leigh, Richie Hawkyard replies with a strong performance the week after. This is what competition for places is all about. Playing Ian Mort on the wing as a means of getting them both in the starting line up is not the answer though in my view - Mort is much better at full back as it allows him to pick his runs into the line and make best use of his eye for a gap as we saw numerous times last week. Develop an understanding with the half backs to feed Mort the ball at the right moment and he'll score a absolute shedfull of tries this season.

Neil Rigby seems to have risen to the fore and shown that he can do the business in a stronger side than he has been in during recent seasons, certainly played well at Leigh from what I saw on BlipTV, well done to him.

With the goal kicking it might be a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth - the team has so many options in that department. Perhaps it would be best to plump for one lead goal kicker and stick with him. Oh, and ask Mr Wilkinson to invest some of the millions he has had from the M27 council tax payers into getting a decent sized set of goalposts put in at the Willows.

[wberry]

great game to put a marker out, really good first half, some nice tries. the ref defo kept them in the game but good to see we can tough a win out.

ps. NOT enough lions fans showing up (even thou it seems better) lets hope people see the results and are there for the league games.

im still excited for this year..........

wayne

[PaulT]

I think Rob Foxen was great again yesterday, his running was superb. Looking at it, we surely have the best 6 and 7 in our league. Watson was instrumental and Ainscough was impressive again.

Like Phil said, the competition for places, added onto that the quality of the players,I'm really excited for the season ahead. The score was more flattering to Oldham and they'll be up there again.

I can't honestly see why we cannot win this league this season.

[lionsfanusa]

There's no substitute for actually winning matches. Would have been nice to deny Oldham the bonus point and a bit alarming for the Roughyeds to close to within 4 points in the second half. Looking at the table, the bonus point puts Oldham level with Swinton on 4 points, but in all likelihood the Lions should stay ahead of the Roughyeds next week given the fixtures.

Really good to hear that Ashall is looking a prospect, Mark Smith was very complimentary about him in a recent interview which is a good sign for team harmony. While its nice to have some star quality in the squad in terms of players who are already well known in the game, as a fan there is nothing better than seeing a young talent emerge and grow. This season the Lions look very well staffed indeed at 9 and its a very nice scenario for Ashall to develop as he can be used selectively, but we do need to learn from the Alex McClurg scenario and make sure Ashall gets enough game time. Steve McCormack is striking a nice balance thus far.

Very interesting battle for the full back slot too. Ian Mort goes in for 2 tries last week and narrowly misses a hat-trick at Leigh, Richie Hawkyard replies with a strong performance the week after. This is what competition for places is all about. Playing Ian Mort on the wing as a means of getting them both in the starting line up is not the answer though in my view - Mort is much better at full back as it allows him to pick his runs into the line and make best use of his eye for a gap as we saw numerous times last week. Develop an understanding with the half backs to feed Mort the ball at the right moment and he'll score a absolute shedfull of tries this season.

Neil Rigby seems to have risen to the fore and shown that he can do the business in a stronger side than he has been in during recent seasons, certainly played well at Leigh from what I saw on BlipTV, well done to him.

With the goal kicking it might be a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth - the team has so many options in that department. Perhaps it would be best to plump for one lead goal kicker and stick with him. Oh, and ask Mr Wilkinson to invest some of the millions he has had from the M27 council tax payers into getting a decent sized set of goalposts put in at the Willows.

Phil, tell me about Blip TV. Thanks!

[PhillH]

Phil, tell me about Blip TV. Thanks!

Blip TV is a competitor to You Tube.

Dave Parkinson, who has encyclopedic knowledge about every player outside Super League (obviously needs to get out more!) puts full video footage of all the Leigh matches on there complete with his own commentaries. Including http://www.blip.tv/file/4761183/

[LOYALION]

I think Rob Foxen was great again yesterday, his running was superb. Looking at it, we surely have the best 6 and 7 in our league. Watson was instrumental and Ainscough was impressive again.

Like Phil said, the competition for places, added onto that the quality of the players,I'm really excited for the season ahead. The score was more flattering to Oldham and they'll be up there again.

I can't honestly see why we cannot win this league this season.

[LOYALION]

I thought Rob Foxens running was phenomenal actually and returned every kick off with enthusiasm and aggression. Very interesting battle for fullback developing as Titch had a great game along with Riggers who, if he continues to develop through the season, will be awesome. Good performances from Cunniffe, Holland, Thompson and Big Joe too.
With the likes of Gallager, Wilson and Johnson to add to Joseph, Smithy, Morrison and the others previously mentioned then "the futures so bright I gotta wear shades"!!!!!!!

[lionsfanusa]

Blip TV is a competitor to You Tube.

Dave Parkinson, who has encyclopedic knowledge about every player outside Super League (obviously needs to get out more!) puts full video footage of all the Leigh matches on there complete with his own commentaries. Including http://www.blip.tv/file/4761183/

Thanks, Phil. I just watched it and then the Oldham match on the Lions site. Much better picture quality on the Lions site!

Made my day!

[wayne_r]

I think Rob Foxen was great again yesterday, his running was superb. Looking at it, we surely have the best 6 and 7 in our league. Watson was instrumental and Ainscough was impressive again.

Like Phil said, the competition for places, added onto that the quality of the players,I'm really excited for the season ahead. The score was more flattering to Oldham and they'll be up there again.

I can't honestly see why we cannot win this league this season.

I totally agree, in the 2nd half Oldham clearly stepped up their effort but the team were still always on top and in years gone by they would have folded and we would have seen Oldham win by by a large margin. This season really should be one of celebration for all of us - never mind a top four spot it should promotion as league winners......

[Blue Monkey]

According to the S.E.N.'s RL report in Monday's paper the Lions beat Oldham 29-20 at "Sedgely Park" (should be "Sedgley") on Sunday afternoon. Typical, they have a fixed policy of a Pinks only outlook of rugby league in our region.
I phoned and let them have a piece of my mind and also repeated the process with a strongly worded email.

[PhillH]

According to the S.E.N.'s RL report in Monday's paper the Lions beat Oldham 29-20 at "Sedgely Park" (should be "Sedgley") on Sunday afternoon. Typical, they have a fixed policy of a Pinks only outlook of rugby league in our region.
I phoned and let them have a piece of my mind and also repeated the process with a strongly worded email.

Its not just the state of the rugby league coverage - the Evening News has generally gone very badly downhill, particularly since Trinity Mirror took over. Its become a fully fledged member of the gutter press, with most pages filled with over-the-top and ignorant sensationalism. Pretty much all intelligent content has evapourated.

Very sad to see.

[Blue Monkey]

It's not just the state of the rugby league coverage - the Evening News has generally gone very badly downhill, particularly since Trinity Mirror took over. It's become a fully fledged member of the gutter press, with most pages filled with over-the-top and ignorant sensationalism. Pretty much all intelligent content has evapourated.

Very sad to see.

I think I know what you mean Phill. In general, the paper is simply rubbish when compared with how it used to be. Many stories are just copied and pasted from sources which are never verified or checked - anything just to fill up the pages. E.g. in last night's (Tuesday, 22nd February) paper there's story which contains the often used falsity that L. S. Lowry was "Salford-born" when in fact he was born in Stretford.

[Shizonamy]

I think I know what you mean Phill. In general, the paper is simply rubbish when compared with how it used to be. Many stories are just copied and pasted from sources which are never verified or checked - anything just to fill up the pages. E.g. in last night's (Tuesday, 22nd February) paper there's story which contains the often used falsity that L. S. Lowry was "Salford-born" when in fact he was born in Stretford.

That's why when you offer it me I always reject, don't really see the point in most newspapers today, it's just regurgitation after regurgitation of meaningless items, the real news is there online, immediately. So no constructive, well thought out articulate articles means the MEN just doesn't justify a read of an evening.

Anyway, to the game just played, we looked immense first half, and to me very confident, Rigby and Foxen we driving it in with guile and real commitment. Smith looks class, and I don't think we can put anyone at hooker except for him, Jospeh at loose is right but he needs to look for support when he punches the line.

Only criticism for me is bring Ainscough into the game more, we have a fantastic squad on paper and some strength in depth, let's just hope we play to the potential of make sure the best players are complimented by playing them in their optimal positions.

[mark richardson]

Rigby is a revelation so far this season,but Ive always thought he was a great player and vastly underrated.
As for strength in depth I see Adam Ryder is no longer on our squad list,or if he is I cant see him.

And the Evening News is a waste of time. Good for nowt. No wonder its free.

[Furryenzo]

That's why when you offer it me I always reject, don't really see the point in most newspapers today, it's just regurgitation after regurgitation of meaningless items, the real news is there online, immediately. So no constructive, well thought out articulate articles means the MEN just doesn't justify a read of an evening.

Anyway, to the game just played, we looked immense first half, and to me very confident, Rigby and Foxen we driving it in with guile and real commitment. Smith looks class, and I don't think we can put anyone at hooker except for him, Jospeh at loose is right but he needs to look for support when he punches the line.

Only criticism for me is bring Ainscough into the game more, we have a fantastic squad on paper and some strength in depth, let's just hope we play to the potential of make sure the best players are complimented by playing them in their optimal positions.

100% agreed smith is a class act, however, watch the second half highlights on lions tv, just look how good karl ashall is for his age.