muddyfunster

We were still in the game at half time and 12 nil didn't do justice for our efforts. Their 1st half tries being the only 2 chances they really had when we switched off on our own line. Our own worst enemy in the second half too much dropped and certainly didn't use the wind at our backs like we could have. Based on the last 3 games Im still optimistic that when we play those teams tipped for a bottom half finish like us we can get the results.

Widnes are flying high at the moment, but with no disrespect to the sides they have beaten so far they haven't yet come up against a potential title chasing side. I certainly don't count us as title chasers but so long as we apply the same effort and sprit as the Halifax and Batley games, I'm confidant we'll give them a game and might even nick it.

I think the same can be said for most of us these days. The lack of ambition and playing success over many recent year have lead to this feeling. Last years achievements excluded of course, which might have lead to some small hope of being able to compete and secure a higher league position. After recent showings I very much doubt Fax will be coming to Owl Lane with some trepidation for the opening fixture The league campaign has yet to begin and perhaps the players and coaching staff see the current cup competitions as a distraction to the important business of Championship survival? Lets hope so, and seriously prove me wrong.

I think Chapmans after match interview was interesting. "We need direction from the RFL on the PTB rule. What should be concerning for all (us the governing body and our opponents today) is the one sided (25 to 9 penalty court) We need to be smarter, those controlling the officials need to assess how the rule is enforced (there shouldn't be so much difference between 2 sides without question) and the dogs need to look as to why they couldn't capitalise on such a favorable penalty count (not that the latter bothers me much). Early signs are pleasing tho. Or maybe its just relief of being out in the fresh air without it peeing down, and watching some live sport!

Gutted we lost but Hunslet wanted it more. Not trying to duplicate the other thread but in such close games always take the 2 points when they're on offer. We need to be much smarter in defence we only really needed to be tight in this respect on the 3 occasion they got possession in our 20, on which they capitalised.

If we apply ourselves as we did against Widnes and Rochdale (H league), can't see any side getting the better of us. We have to prove ourselves and be as clinical as that from now to the end of the season

Winning ugly but still winning is a great sign. Fantastic effort

Enjoyed the game yesterday apart from our little lapse in the second half. I think it was a bit of both as us not fully with it for that period, but Rochdale had nothing to lose and slung the ball around which should be a wake up call. Imagine if they had played with the same spirit from minute 1! Greensmith was my MoM. Such a shame some of the super league sides won't be in the mix for the next 2 draws. It would be great to have had the chance to have one of them at home filling the ground.

Wouldn't it be nice if the Beeb took some proper interest in broadcasting a few games in this round, obvious choice would be Fev vs Fax. There's what looks like a few evenly matched fixtures, Hunslet vs Keighley, Barrow vs Swinton, Us vs Rochdale and even the all amateur Leigh Miners Vs Rochdale Mayfield.

Can anyone please give an overview of what was said by both coach and chairman at the forum last night, for those of us unable to make it?

I'd like to see a greater investment in players this year as is clear that in recent years it has been with the ground, facilities etc. Equally I'd be happy for us to try some promising local talent. Invite some of the local side Sharks, Moor, Celtic, Thornhill Drigh, ossett to come have have some open training sessions. Who knows if there was enough interest and quality have an exhibition game as final selection.

Unfortunately the damage was done with all the narrow defeats at home to Haven, London Barrow and Newcastle. 3 of which I believe could have been very different had the change to the coaching staff been made sooner, (after London away).

It stops such games being a contest. Decisions like this or lack of them get to you especially when you're on a losing run as we are. It happened last year against Fev at home. I'm not saying we would have crossed the line 2 or 3 more times, but I think at least 3 Leigh tries would could have been chalked off if the officials had looked more closely shall we say! The lads gave their all yesterday, against the best side I've seen at ours all season, which in such conditions I fully respect, (I'd go as far as saying some of this respect was lacking from the match officials considering the conditioning a FT side gets compared to a PT side) I didn't go to Widnes but from the displays I have seen under LF there's definitely improvement or at least a commitment that we've not seen for a while.

Thanks. Didn't think the ref was capable of knowing such rules, afterall he struggled with even some of the basics.

I'm not sure what went on with the penalty just before half-time. All players looked to be calling for the kick at goal Think some of the fax fans were a little frustrated that they weren't further in front at half time. To be fair when fax turned it on they were much better. Having said that when you get away with slinging the ball forward as much as they did not a lot you can do. Much better effort today from the lads but honestly can't see enough for is to secure championship status, but optimistic enough to see potential to be a force in championship 1 next season.