Joe 90

i don't think a single comment is obsessive but if you feel a bit prickly about it, that's your prerogative. For Info, My comment on your post April 17th this year ;- Midlands were always going to be strong this year. Astute management and some great signings by the club. A great club to visit as well. Great to see some success !

Report: Midlands Hurricanes 22-20 Rochdale Hornets Rochdale Hornets fell to an agonising 22-20 defeat at the hands of Midlands Hurricanes in the latest round of Betfred League 1 action. In a game which ebbed and flowed throughout at Alexander Stadium, the Hornets lost ground in the race for the top four, despite rallying from 16 points behind early in the second half. The Hornets were coming into the game after three weeks off following their last-gasp defeat in Keighley and were eager to avenge that loss against one of the top teams in the competition. It was Midlands who had the better of the opening exchanges, but resolute defence from the Hornets kept the hosts at bay on a number of occasions in the first 20 minutes. The game opened up as the half progressed and became end-to-end. The visitors had fleeting moments in the Hurricanes half in the early stages and almost got over the line in their first real attack of the game, but couldn’t take advantage of their good field position after a repeat set. The deadlock was broken after 25 minutes with Ryan Johnson diving over in the corner to open the scoring after a sustained period of pressure on the Rochdale line. The game evolved into an arm wrestle, with both sides struggling to break the other down, although it was the home side who looked the more threatening. Five minutes before the break, they were over again, Rochdale couldn’t deal with a high kick and Tom Wilkinson pounced on the loose ball to score underneath the sticks. Brad Billsborough added the extras to give his side a 10-0 lead at half-time. The second half began with both sides posing a threat, the first of which came straight from the restart as a short kick-off from Gary Thornton’s side put them in a good position from which they couldn’t capitalise. Seven minutes into the second half and the home side extended their advantage as Matty Chrimes found his way to the line from close range after splitting the Rochdale defence. Moments later, the Hornets got themselves on the scoreboard for the first time. Gregg McNally made the break and threw the ball inside to Dan Nixon, who in-turn found Lewis Else to finish under the sticks and give Jack Miller the easiest of conversions and crucially, give his side a foothold in the game. Not long after, Luke Forber finished a well-worked move down the left-hand side, with Miller again adding the extras to make it a four-point ball game at 16-12. The momentum had shifted in favour of the visitors now, and they started to pile the pressure on the Midlands defence. Nixon went close to levelling the scores but was denied by some superb last-ditch goal-line defending. With just under 15 minutes to go, Tom Ashton latched on to the end of a grubber kick and brought the scores level. Morgan Punchard couldn’t add the extras, leaving the scoreline poised at 16-16. A Rochdale error from the restart gifted possession to the home side, which allowed Ross Oakes to give his team the lead, with Billsborough adding the extras from bang in front. Rochdale weren’t out of it yet though, and Dan Nixon’s acrobatic finish in the corner put them within two points once again. Crucially, Punchard couldn’t add the conversion. Brilliant goal-line defence from the Hornets denied what looked to be a certain Midlands try at the end of the game, before going down the other end of the pitch with a Hail Mary play as the final hooter sounded. McNally found Forber who hacked the ball forwards but the hosts were able to negate the danger and held on for the two points. Another week off awaits for the Hornets before a trip to the north-east to face Newcastle Thunder. After two narrow defeats in their last two games, Gary Thornton’s men will be looking to get another win under the belts as the push for a play-off place continues. Midlands Hurricanes: Horner, Chrimes, Johnson, Oakes, Roberts, Billsborough, Medforth, Kirby, Roden, Morris, Willis, Wilkinson, Wood. Subs: Newboult, Silk, Kirk, Jordan-Roberts. Tries: Johnson, Wilkinson, Chrimes, Oakes Goals: Billsborough (3) Rochdale Hornets: McNally, Nixon, Darbyshire, Ashton, Forber, Miller, Else, Dayes, Whitmore, Nelmes, Forster, Straugheir, Whittel. Subs: Punchard, E. Simpson, Andrade, Killan. Tries: Else, Forber, Ashton, Nixon Goals: Miller (2)

Great game, Hornets looked the match of big spending Midlands, but made some poor decisions and mistakes which led to easy Midlands points. Yes the injury jinx has hit again, with Miller on the field we would have probably at worst shared the points. As you say we are running out of games but it's going to be an exciting end to the season. Newcastle, Whitehaven and Swinton next. All winnable. (crossed fingers) !

Couldn't make it yesterday (Fathers Day duties )but I did go to Colwyn Bay and the team was, as you say drubbed. From the radio commentary it sounds like you are being a bit harsh. After their drubbing by us at the Crown, and loaded with players back from injury plus the addition of some expensive signings, Keighley were always going to come hard in the first quarter. Seems like the team stuck to their task and competed to the last second which is 100% better than in Wales. Hornets are two points off the top four with a good points difference. This league is a cracker and plenty of twists and turns to come. I'm looking forward to it . As for the bloke on the tannoy, He was a nuisance even from afar on the radio

Spot on about the ref unfortunately she was out of her depth.But we were beaten by a better drilled side. We need Riddy on the park.

I don't think so !

Yes Cru didn't need any help we gave them the game in the first half !

Any forecasts for tomorrow ? I'm going 18--26 Hornets .

Looking forward to this one ! Not quite a must win but a very important game.

Is the teams form and attractive rugby starting to attract supporters back to the games. A great atmosphere yesterday. and 731 attendees with little away support. think that game would have attracted around 300 - 400 last year ?

A great display against a decent Goole side who beat Thunder, Keighley and lost by two points to Swinton in their last three games. Congrats to all involved.

Great idea.

The result must have bucked you up a bit .

Great performance today and more to come from this squad !

A very good debut for Elijah on Good Friday . He is a strong and athletic forward who seemed to gel with the lads immediately, and a debut try as well !!!!!!. Hope is brother is as good !!!! Congratulations to Gary and the board at Hornets for the quick action on getting the lads signed.