Another frustrating game.  One we should have won if we'd shown a bit more composure in the last 10mins.  We just made too many mistakes and invited them up the field when we needed to be composed.   Going for a drop goal or forcing a drop out was needed when we were up their end.  Instead we turned the ball over and then gave away a penalty.  Brainless.  


We're making far too many stupid mistakes, the most infuriating being the errors from kick offs, it's like the players switch off once we've scored. We need to be more mentally tough and stay switched on.  This was always going to be a close game so we need to be more composed.


In many ways our attacking game was just as disappointing.   We scored when we did something unorthodox or when we managed to put in a decent kick but these instances were all too rare.   Just passing the ball along the line or turning it inside isn't going to trouble any defence.  There's often a lack of runners or options for the ball carrier with players content to just watch.  This plays into opposition hands.  Some of the last tackle options were abysmal, where were the halfbacks?  I know Lilley got moved to hooker but I thought Keyes and Meadows offered very little, particularly for the first 50mins.


Hurrell got a bit better as the game went on but that was a low bar to clear.  The way he allowed a player to just run past him for York's first try was very poor.  I was surprised they didn't throw more at him considering how slow he looked.   It was good to have Holmes back, we really need his pace and it was his break that led to the try that put us in front after Scurr's offload.  


Batley on Friday and a chance to make amends (again).  Noble was bemoaning the lack of options to be able to make changes but IMO it's not just about the personnel but the way we play that needs to change.  

I agree some players are looking tired and I agree that Peposhi needs a shot, he impressed me in pre season.  He's a bit raw but needs game time otherwise what's the point?

I'd hope Mason is fit so he can also get some gametime.  Waine and Ott too.  Waine is a real rocks and diamonds type of player.  His offloading ability is what we need to create some openings but we don't need the errors or penalties.  


What's Sam Ackroyd up to?  Is he on loan?  

Halifax set to play next 5 home games at odsal it's on love rugby 

Thanks, opened a thread of its own for that.

Disappointing to lose, obviously. 
York really do seem to be our modern day St. Helens don't they.


Step back a minute though. 
We are 2nd on the ladder at the half way point. We still have time to improve too before the business end. 


York seem to be in their purple patch now and could fade away towards the back end of the season. Reminds me a little of our 2000 season when we won the cup and faded away.


Agree with the other posts around mental toughness and tactical variety. The coaching staff and players really need to get stuck into those elements. The changes in personnel shouldn't really affect these either.

"All teams win games they don't expect to win and lose games they don't expect to lose" - P G Fox.

So I suppose being in 2nd is still decent.   However, if we'd won that eminently winnable game at home to Barrow we'd be level on points with Toulouse.


We're doing enough to win most games albeit not very stylishly and when we've come up against our main rivals for the top 2 (York and Toulouse) we've come off second best which is disappointing as it doesn't represent any improvement on last year so far.    


There's definite room for improvement especially in terms of the way we attack and our kicking game.  Whether the players have the quality to do that and the coaches can get it out of them remains to be seen.  I'd like to see more variation in our play with some more support runners as we're far too predictable.  


I think the defence in the main has been ok barring some recent hiccups on the left and around the ruck.