First half was still scrappy and way too 'one out' but we showed real promise in the 2nd. I think we'd have taken hold of that game much earlier but for a 12 point turnaround due to inept reffing (again). We were getting on top but instead of going 16-4 up it was 10 all which seemed to put us on the back foot for 10 mins or so.
Some good stuff played in patches and, whilst I understand those saying we might struggle against Hull, I think that depends on the team we put out. Bullock has to stay in the team, hopefully to be joined by at least one of Burgess or Flower with Twenty five minute Tony (have to be fair!) making way. The difference between Clubb and Bullock was so marked it would have been easy to mistake which was having his first run out of the season.
Hastings looks to be settling in more each game and was probing the defense far more this week. French was class. Enough said. Just a shame that last chip over didn't quite come off. Smith looks the real deal. Give him the game time and he'll flourish.
Other positives: Faz bouncing back from a poor performance last week. Ran some great lines and that inside pass to French..just wow! Amir Burrough's cameo. Looked like he has the makings of a decent impact interchange hooker. Solid debut from Clark and Budgie showing some pace again.
Negatives: Took us too long to get into the game. As other's have said, we can't afford that against the better teams. Clubb. O'Loughlin's eye. Budgie under the high ball and general ball security. Clubb. The ref (Jesus, what's happened to him? He can't go a match without making numerous mistakes). Clubb. Clubb.
A mixed bag but enough there, especially with the likes of Manfredi, Gildart, Burgess, Flower, Greenwood, Powell and the young guns to slot in, to be optimistic.