Re: Summer Bash Score Predictions ? : Sun Jul 31, 2022 9:34 am  

Couldn't agree more with you VL. We beat them up physically and mentally in the last league game and that showed at the summer bash. They again had a go but we were always in control. The only tactic left is to needle us and take us away from our game. Unfortunately MacDonald fell for it yesterday (he looked frustrated at himself before this following 2 glaring errors, 1 dropped ball and then falling off Leilua for his try). Had his hand stood on then further goading from Hepi and he 'bit'. You can see in Sidlow's reaction to MacDonald how disappointed he was with the reaction which shows the levels of professionalism they expect from each other and that bodes really well.
Further agree that we were not at our best. The game was a bit scratchy for long periods interspersed with moments of true quality. I think we missed Amone in the middles which affected a. our control in that area and b. our go forward in the grind. Defence as always was top notch generally with a couple of individual errors. We can be so much better.
The thing that pleases me the most is how together the squad appear to be. Despite the superstars, no ego, everybody willing to get involved in the tough stuff, everybody supporting each other. It is truly wonderful to see.
Lastly some praise for Wardle and Stone who were both outstanding yesterday and Lachlan Lam looks very exciting. Never really out of 2nd gear, feeling his way in, 1 assist and 1 try. Looks seriously quick and smart and will be a massive upgrade for us in the halves.
Roll on the rest of the season.

Re: Summer Bash Score Predictions ? : Sun Jul 31, 2022 10:22 am  

Leigh's season has been about dominating games through the forwards. Fev to their credit mostly negated Leigh's grind, using good old fashion niggle, plopping and coptering in the tackle. For once, I think Lammy got the squad selection slightly wrong playing only 2 props. Nakubuwai only lasted part of the first half, which left Sidlow doing a mountain of work. O'Donnell, Wardle and Asiata had to do the work of a prop, which is perhaps why Wardle was singled out for the man of the match award. Amone (injured) and Ioane would have helped to control the middle under normal circumstances. In SL, 4 match day props are compulsory.

Fev have in every game managed to score tries easily when applying pressure, and have now introduced some big and younger players to try to combat Leigh. Eseh in particular had a good game. In the main Fev attempted to neutralise Ipape and like some other clubs have identified a weakness in his carry.
On the flip side Johnathon Ford, well known for not relishing the tackle, also does not like to be tackled and will release the ball rather than go into the tackle.

Lachy Lam appears to have a swagger about him. Unfamiliar with the systems chose to the simple things, but it is noticeable how many times he is available for an offload. If nothing else we all love a good poacher.

Re: Summer Bash Score Predictions ? : Sun Jul 31, 2022 1:02 pm  

Feb: Fev 28-6 -22 May: Leigh 30-16 +14 June: Leigh 32-12 +20 July: Leigh 46-16 +30 The trend appears to be a growing points difference in our favour, but Brian McD still thinks they can win https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/we ... -thumping/

Feb: Fev 28-6 -22 May: Leigh 30-16 +14 June: Leigh 32-12 +20 July: Leigh 46-16 +30 The trend appears to be a growing points difference in our favour, but Brian McD still thinks they can win https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/we ... -thumping/