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A view from the far touch, with spring in the air?

A view from the far touch, with spring in the air?

Malcolm Knowles8 Feb 2015 - 18:01
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All's well that ends well.

50 points, 8 tries, 7 from the backs, for a bonus point win… what’s not to be happy about? Well nothing really, nothing at all.
There was a particularly big plus in the performance of the Scalby flier who emerged from hibernation to thrill the small but appreciative crowd with three well taken tries AND two thumping tackles. They were worthy of comparison with Jon Steel’s finer efforts and that’s high praise indeed. Now we need to see it week in, week out. It goes without saying he also needs to see as much of the ball as possible.
Sam wasn’t the only one to shine in the backline; Mike Bateman gave an assured performance, building on the consistency he has shown in recent weeks. His attacking instincts set up tries for Chris Reakes and Jon Steel. Reako himself slotted in well at half back, proving his versatility. Coach Crockett, one suspects a reluctant participant, showed touches of undoubted class and took his try well. He is also very aggressive in the tackle, somewhat surprising for such a nice young man.
The other lads were less noteworthy but Joe Barker could afford to have a quiet game, having been the stand-out player for a number of weeks, a change is as good as a rest so they say. Isaac Green is recovering his confidence after the cuts to his eye and his goal kicking was top drawer, unlike his kicking from hand; box kicking? Bollox more like! If I were skipper I would threaten to break his legs.
Those with failing eye sight (me) often confuse Joe Sanders and Lucas Birch, particularly at a distance. This reflects poorly on the performance of one or the other. Can I ask for one of them to use different colour tape round their napper? Both played well, I think! Joe certainly seems to be enjoying his stint in the back row, it will be difficult to oust him, certainly if there was stiffer competition in the boiler room.
Danny Hague has surprised many with impressive performances this season and the veteran back rower was heavily involved again against Bees, combining well with Isaac from the base of the scrum and solid in defence.
The front row face workers have hewn their fair share this season and probably had an easier afternoon than of late so they can be excused the couple of aberrations. They were, as usual, too good for the opposition throughout the match.
I must make comment about a bit of tactical nous demonstrated against Birmingham. Last week I commented on something seen at Sedgley Park.
“How refreshing to see something from a long lost era resurrected to good effect, instead of the sterile thinking so much in evidence in the modern game. Next week expect to see “big ladder ball” or a Mr Cunningham.”
I take no credit but sure enough Ally Forth profited from the aforementioned lineout throw to score. It must be in the genes. It was a favourite of his Dads in a limited throw in repertoire. Tuesday (and probably Thursday) training will be dedicated to the intricacies of the Mr Cunningham penalty move.
The Bees overall performance was sufficient to show why they are where they are; individuals showed talent but handling and ball retention was poor, decision making not much better and confidence waned as the match wore on. Unfortunately I can see Hull overhauling Bees to condemn them, Lucs and Stockport to the drop. Time (and cash) will tell.

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