Great night out last night, brilliant game to watch, fantastic (almost carnival) atmosphere in the South stand. The half-time rendition of Living on a Prayer almost drowned the tribute band out!!!
, and I'm not even a particular fan of poodle-haired rockers!!
Was pinching myself at half-time, never saw that coming, thought it would be a really tight tense game, a little like Leeds last Friday. Apart from Lewis misjudging that 40-20 from Lam, which briefly put us under a little pressure, it was close to being a nigh-on perfect opening forty minutes. We ran hard with menacing intent, we closed their attacking threats down completely, and we were bright, breezy and inventive when inside their 25. That first half showed that if can create space for him to exploit then Pryce will cause merry havoc for retreating defences. Think we will get a good deal more out him when (or if!!) we can field a proper settled second-row pairing. He had the Leigh defence at sixes & sevens when he sent Lewis in for his try.
Second half was obviously more backs to the wall stuff, especially as we began to run out of available bodies. Felt Leigh started to go a bit hell for leather from around the 55 minutes mark and when the passes stuck it had the effect of pulling us around the park a bit. But at times our scrambling defence was superb although energy sapping. There was a moment towards the end when they knocked on right on our line (think it may have been the Sezer 'injury' moment) and almost too a man the players collapsed on the ground. They looked absolutely out on their feet at that point. Was real glad of the fourteen point cushion at that point as I don't reckon their was too much left in everyone's tanks when they walked off the pitch at the end. Also, does anyone else think we had got right under Ipape's skin? When he scored he threw that ball into our section with some venom didn't he!!! Think he would go well in our pack though, would definitely give us something extra going forward.
Agree with Mrs B about Herman. There have been times since he arrived last year when it has felt as if he is almost carrying the whole club on his (very broad) shoulders. He has a reputation now throughout SL and opposition defences are manning up on him in an effort to blunt his impact, but it still didn't stop him scoring last night, crashing over with three defenders failing to stop him
So, on we go with the (slightly grey) clouds that were just beginning to gather around the fanbase lifted again. Have to say I'm rather enjoying these away trips, notwithstanding a couple of missed tackles at Headingley last Friday night. Didn't really see this coming in February. If we can address our normal end of season dodgy home form we should be a decent bet for a top-six spot. Who'd thought it!! Onwards and upwards as ever for the faithful
