: Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:35 am  

Kosh wrote:

I rated Cusack last year, so for me the biggest revelation has been Dowes. In the best form of his life right now - bending the line in attack and crunching tackles in defence. Superb.

Tickle has been top notch in all games so far, and last night Manu looked to be getting back into some form as well.

Kudos to them all. They've really stepped up a level or two from last season.

Totally agree. Think we will only get better too!

: Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:40 am  

Kosh wrote:

I rated Cusack last year, so for me the biggest revelation has been Dowes. In the best form of his life right now - bending the line in attack and crunching tackles in defence. Superb.

Tickle has been top notch in all games so far, and last night Manu looked to be getting back into some form as well.

Kudos to them all. They've really stepped up a level or two from last season.

Dowes needed a big season after a very average 2008 and he has started extremely well. He seems much fitter and stronger. Presumably this is a combination of his short stint in London on his personal fitness programme and the arrival of Ben Cooper.

[Kosh]

: Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:59 am  

ComeOnYouUll wrote:

Dowes needed a big season after a very average 2008 and he has started extremely well. He seems much fitter and stronger. Presumably this is a combination of his short stint in London on his personal fitness programme and the arrival of Ben Cooper.

Definitely. Opposing players now hit him and bounce, whereas before he'd probably lose some ground. And I've never seen him bend the line before, even when he's been in good form.

Him and Tickle are possibly our two most improved players IMO.

: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:00 am  

Kosh wrote:

Definitely. Opposing players now hit him and bounce, whereas before he'd probably lose some ground. And I've never seen him bend the line before, even when he's been in good form.

Him and Tickle are possibly our two most improved players IMO.

Good post!

: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:05 am  

[quote="Kosh"]Definitely. Opposing players now hit him and bounce, whereas before he'd probably lose some ground. And I've never seen him bend the line before, even when he's been in good form.

Not only bend the line but making clean breaks too!! a 20ish meter one last night.............times are good lets live the dream

: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:15 am  

What has impressed me is the discipline shown so far this season, we don't seem to be giving stupid penalties away all the time like before. This was something that Carvell used to be particularly guilty off which negated most of his good play, but also Radford and Graeme Horne have both been good whereas they used give away many penalties.

Thackray now seems much better at carrying the ball and doesn't drop it or get it knocked out like he used to.

: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:49 am  

Kosh wrote:

Definitely. Opposing players now hit him and bounce, whereas before he'd probably lose some ground. And I've never seen him bend the line before, even when he's been in good form.

Him and Tickle are possibly our two most improved players IMO.

Really pleased with Dowes and Tickle. Dowes needed to improve on his last 2 seasons. Before the season started i was talking about Tickle missing out when Crocker comes. Ive had to change my mind on that havent i! (fwiw Manu would be the worst of our back rowers currently)

: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:52 am  

Big Dave T wrote:

Really pleased with Dowes and Tickle. Dowes needed to improve on his last 2 seasons. Before the season started i was talking about Tickle missing out when Crocker comes. Ive had to change my mind on that havent i! (fwiw Manu would be the worst of our back rowers currently)

thought Willie had a good game last night, seemed to put in more work and dosome hard graft for a change too

must be the Peter Sutcliffe look changing his game

: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:53 am  

The team reminds me of the early 90's (Premiership winning team). Not very expansive but very workman like, forcing the oppostition into mistakes.

: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:56 am  

Hutchie wrote:

thought Willie had a good game last night, seemed to put in more work and dosome hard graft for a change too

must be the Peter Sutcliffe look changing his game

He was improved but if one of Radford, Tickle or Manu had to drop out to accomodate Crocker it would be Manu currently.