: Mon May 18, 2009 8:19 am  

Many of the points on here are indicative of why the team are getting thumped. My aquaintance, who played Academy/reserves a couple of seasons ago (at another club) has said despite signing a contract he doesn't think he'll bother any more. He says he's only missed a couple of training sessions due to work commitments yet not even been on the bench despite the poor results and the coaches saying everyone will get a chance. He was one of just NINE who turned up for training prior to the blank weekend a couple of weeks ago and still didn't get a shirt the following week, as the coaches seem to have their own favourites who are in come what may. As previously stated, when they do train its been poorly organised. And results and performances (York away excepted) suggest quite frankly some are not up to the required standard.
So as interest drops off from the lads who turn up for training but don't play, and the exodus from the first team continues you have to ask if the reserves will fulfil their fixtures?

As for the on field 'disagreements' there are one or two players turning out whose egos far outweigh the talent they have. I spotted this in the pre season friendly against Nottingham Outlaws when a couple of players were moaning at some of the others rather than what usually happens when an error is made ie a pat on back and encouragement to both player involved and rest of team.
I wasn't at the game on saturday, but a mate of mine said it was a complete shambles, embarrassing was the expression he used.

As for the bricks on the pitch, someone is going to get a serious injury. My son played on it earlier in the season, and said it was downright dangerous. When he heard the reserves were to play on it he said opposition clubs would end up reporting it to the RFL, it's that bad. Either Toll Bar have to get out and scour it for rubble or another venue should be used until its sorted properly. Wheatley Hills would be ideal, and I'm sure they would welcome them with open arms (and no, I have no connection with them whatsoever).

As for players having to make their own way to away games, that is the height of amateurism. How many do you think will drive to Whitehaven with the possibility of getting 100 put past them for pay (if they ever get any) that wont even cover the cost of the fuel used?

All in all it looks like a complete shambles from where I'm standing.

: Mon May 18, 2009 9:04 am  

Gargoyle wrote:

Many of the points on here are indicative of why the team are getting thumped. My aquaintance, who played Academy/reserves a couple of seasons ago (at another club) has said despite signing a contract he doesn't think he'll bother any more. He says he's only missed a couple of training sessions due to work commitments yet not even been on the bench despite the poor results and the coaches saying everyone will get a chance. He was one of just NINE who turned up for training prior to the blank weekend a couple of weeks ago and still didn't get a shirt, as the coaches seem to have their own favourites who are in come what may. As previously stated, when they do train its been poorly organised. And results and performances (York away excepted) suggest quite frankly some are not up to the required standard.
So as interest drops off from the lads who turn up for training but don't play, and the exodus from the first team continues you have to ask if the reserves will fulfil their fixtures?

As for the on field 'disagreements' there are one or two players turning out whose egos far outweigh the talent they have. I spotted this in the pre season friendly against Nottingham Outlaws when a couple of players were moaning at some of the others rather than what usually happens when an error is made ie a pat on back and encouragement to both player involved and rest of team.
I wasn't at the game on saturday, but a mate of mine said it was a complete shambles, embarrassing was the expression he used.

As for the bricks on the pitch, someone is going to get a serious injury. My son played on it earlier in the season, and said it was downright dangerous. When he heard the reserves were to play on it he said opposition clubs would end up reporting it to the RFL, it's that bad. Either Toll Bar have to get out and scour it for rubble or another venue should be used until its sorted properly. Wheatley Hills would be ideal, and I'm sure they would welcome them with open arms (and no, I have no connection with them whatsoever).

As for players having to make their own way to away games, that is the height of amateurism. How many do you think will drive to Whitehaven with the possibility of getting 100 put past them for pay (if they ever get any) that wont even cover the cost of the fuel used?

All in all it looks like a complete shambles from where I'm standing.

Marauders are at home on Saturday, 2.30 kick-off training Tues & Thurs 7pm on the Moorends Rec ! No Super Stars just lads playing with a smile.

: Mon May 18, 2009 9:20 am  

Thanks for offer, but we'll all be playing cricket!

: Tue May 19, 2009 10:26 pm  

After reading all the comments on this thread i feel i need to set the record straight on a number of comments made, firstly Tony Miller with the exception of one of the five games played has been to every match to watch the boys.
Secondly to all those slating the reserves these are the facts, the team are a brand NEW team who have only been together for a matter of weeks with not having the luxury of having pre season training together UNLIKE most of the other teams they are up against who are already established teams. The average age of this reserves side is 18 years old making them eligable to play under 18,s rugby let alone under 21,s.
At the Fev game the team consisted of four BOYS who are currently 17 yrs old who put thier hand up to play because of injuries etc. these boys took the field knowing they were up against MEN who are Physically stronger and more experienced and were brave enough to take a pounding as they are proud to wear the Donny shirt with most of them not even coming from the Donny area. So instead of slating the team get down to support them as although they are young at present they are talented players of the future. I ask the question would leeds academy stand any chance of beating their reserve side ?

: Tue May 19, 2009 10:54 pm  

bigjohn wrote:

After reading all the comments on this thread i feel i need to set the record straight on a number of comments made, firstly Tony Miller with the exception of one of the five games played has been to every match to watch the boys.
Secondly to all those slating the reserves these are the facts, the team are a brand NEW team who have only been together for a matter of weeks with not having the luxury of having pre season training together UNLIKE most of the other teams they are up against who are already established teams. The average age of this reserves side is 18 years old making them eligable to play under 18,s rugby let alone under 21,s.
At the Fev game the team consisted of four BOYS who are currently 17 yrs old who put thier hand up to play because of injuries etc. these boys took the field knowing they were up against MEN who are Physically stronger and more experienced and were brave enough to take a pounding as they are proud to wear the Donny shirt with most of them not even coming from the Donny area. So instead of slating the team get down to support them as although they are young at present they are talented players of the future. I ask the question would leeds academy stand any chance of beating their reserve side ?

Well said matey.

: Tue May 19, 2009 11:05 pm  

bigjohn wrote:

After reading all the comments on this thread i feel i need to set the record straight on a number of comments made, firstly Tony Miller with the exception of one of the five games played has been to every match to watch the boys.
Secondly to all those slating the reserves these are the facts, the team are a brand NEW team who have only been together for a matter of weeks with not having the luxury of having pre season training together UNLIKE most of the other teams they are up against who are already established teams. The average age of this reserves side is 18 years old making them eligable to play under 18,s rugby let alone under 21,s.
At the Fev game the team consisted of four BOYS who are currently 17 yrs old who put thier hand up to play because of injuries etc. these boys took the field knowing they were up against MEN who are Physically stronger and more experienced and were brave enough to take a pounding as they are proud to wear the Donny shirt with most of them not even coming from the Donny area. So instead of slating the team get down to support them as although they are young at present they are talented players of the future. I ask the question would leeds academy stand any chance of beating their reserve side ?

I've been in a similar position at times with the team I play for. They're not as young as some of the Doncaster players, but lacked the general RL nous that the opponents had.

Hopefully, that will all sort itself out soon.

: Tue May 19, 2009 11:17 pm  

bigjohn wrote:

After reading all the comments on this thread i feel i need to set the record straight on a number of comments made, firstly Tony Miller with the exception of one of the five games played has been to every match to watch the boys.
Secondly to all those slating the reserves these are the facts, the team are a brand NEW team who have only been together for a matter of weeks with not having the luxury of having pre season training together UNLIKE most of the other teams they are up against who are already established teams. The average age of this reserves side is 18 years old making them eligable to play under 18,s rugby let alone under 21,s.
At the Fev game the team consisted of four BOYS who are currently 17 yrs old who put thier hand up to play because of injuries etc. these boys took the field knowing they were up against MEN who are Physically stronger and more experienced and were brave enough to take a pounding as they are proud to wear the Donny shirt with most of them not even coming from the Donny area. So instead of slating the team get down to support them as although they are young at present they are talented players of the future. I ask the question would leeds academy stand any chance of beating their reserve side ?

Those young lad's turn up for training week in week out and put their life and soul into playing for the Dons and get paid a pittance at the side of what the other reserve teams get..

Other reseve teams turn up at Toll Bar on club buses, when our lads have to make their own way to games, 'home or away'.. But they do it for the club and win, lose or draw we should be proud of them...

: Wed May 20, 2009 8:42 am  

DonnyD wrote:

:CLAP:

Those young lad's turn up for training week in week out and put their life and soul into playing for the Dons and get paid a pittance at the side of what the other reserve teams get..

Other reseve teams turn up at Toll Bar on club buses, when our lads have to make their own way to games, 'home or away'.. But they do it for the club and win, lose or draw we should be proud of them...

Well said DonnyD they have only played one away game so far at York which was a night game and with the majority of the players living in the Hull area it made sense for them to make their own way there for that game as they woudnt have made kick off travelling to Donny first to pick up a bus,i am sure a bus will be provided for the away games such as Whitehaven etc
Fridays game against Hunslet will be another tough test for the boys against a big Hunslet side so get down and support these boys who may not win the game but will give 110 % With the situation in the first team tony miller will probably call up some of the experienced players making the reserves team even younger. Good luck boys for Friday

: Wed May 20, 2009 8:43 am  

bigjohn wrote:

After reading all the comments on this thread i feel i need to set the record straight on a number of comments made, firstly Tony Miller with the exception of one of the five games played has been to every match to watch the boys.
Secondly to all those slating the reserves these are the facts, the team are a brand NEW team who have only been together for a matter of weeks with not having the luxury of having pre season training together UNLIKE most of the other teams they are up against who are already established teams. The average age of this reserves side is 18 years old making them eligable to play under 18,s rugby let alone under 21,s.
At the Fev game the team consisted of four BOYS who are currently 17 yrs old who put thier hand up to play because of injuries etc. these boys took the field knowing they were up against MEN who are Physically stronger and more experienced and were brave enough to take a pounding as they are proud to wear the Donny shirt with most of them not even coming from the Donny area. So instead of slating the team get down to support them as although they are young at present they are talented players of the future. I ask the question would leeds academy stand any chance of beating their reserve side ?

There are rules on how many over age players can be played.

Fev have young lads who are physically stronger because they spend three nights a week doing weights and training in a professional enviroment.

Your own players were quick to tell tales to us about how amateurish it is at training at Doncaster. Perhaps this would explain why they lack strength, direction and the chance to compete?

It seems the clubs is going through much more important issues than the Reserves but dont blame Fev for playing Richard Blakeway and a couple of other 23 year olds!!!
As Gargoyle as posted, the players are treat badly at Reserve level, not picked even when training etc. Who's fault is that?

: Wed May 20, 2009 9:09 am  

Bandito wrote:

There are rules on how many over age players can be played.

Fev have young lads who are physically stronger because they spend three nights a week doing weights and training in a professional enviroment.

Your own players were quick to tell tales to us about how amateurish it is at training at Doncaster. Perhaps this would explain why they lack strength, direction and the chance to compete?

It seems the clubs is going through much more important issues than the Reserves but dont blame Fev for playing Richard Blakeway and a couple of other 23 year olds!!!
As Gargoyle as posted, the players are treat badly at Reserve level, not picked even when training etc. Who's fault is that?

The team that Fev fielded wasnt the issue, the issue is some of the unfair stick our players have been getting from their own supporters .many of these players are 17 and 18 yr olds who are playing off the back of a winter season with having no rest. Of course they will lack strentgh at this age which is the main reason they look weak in defence. The boys do use weights but Rome wasnt built in a day.