Headingley Horror Show
By UnhappyHax
November 8 2014
Friday night rugby returned to Headingley one week after Halloween, and I doubt if anybody who was in the ground saw anything half as frightening the previous weekend. Yorkshire and Rotherham served up what must have been the most insipid game ever played between these two local rivals.
The match is easy to summarise. Yorkshire made too many errors, conceded penalties at crucial times in critical areas, and Rotherham converted two of their four penalty kicks at goal, while Harry Leonard managed to miss his only kick of the night when the visitors lost a player to the sin bin on the stroke of half time.
The try line was threatened once all night, just before half time when Jon Clarke found himself in the clear 30 yards from the whitewash, but he lacked the pace to get there, and when the support arrived, Yorkshire conceded a penalty and the chance was gone.
Rotherham deserved their win, let there be no doubt about that, but they weren’t much better than Yorkshire. They were happy to waste as much time as the referee would allow, and when in their own half, they were content to hoof the ball back into Yorkshire territory safe in the knowledge, the hosts didn’t have a clue how to get back.
There was not one back in the white shirts last night that showed any flair, or creativity to make things happen from nothing. The half backs were slow and predictable, and sadly we have no pace in midfield either. At least things improved when Dudman and Vickerman came on. While we are delighted to have Jonah back in the fold, the decision to release Glyn Hughes and Lozzer now looks to be a bad one. Oh, and to have Hampo or Baby Doc back as well.
In the forwards, Matt Smith dominated the line out, and the back three made good yards and tackled hard, but as ever, once plan A, (give the ball to Buzz), didn’t work, we were like rabbits caught in the headlights. Again Jack Walker and Edwards brought a bit of enthusiasm to the fray. Man of the match wasn’t difficult, a choice between the two flankers, with Chris Walker just shading it for me.
A long season lies ahead, and I expect wholesale changes to next weeks starting line up.
Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: TykesRugby.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 14:16
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:11:22:13:08:51 by Gelbel.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:11:22:13:08:51 by Gelbel.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Wildwillie (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 17:13
Well I went to the match and saw fireworks! Unfortunately they were on St Michaels Lane behind the south stand!
Well done Hax for not mentioning the "damp squid"
We are missing Dicky Beck for his work at the breakdown imho. We were mullered in that area last night.
Well done Hax for not mentioning the "damp squid"
We are missing Dicky Beck for his work at the breakdown imho. We were mullered in that area last night.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: almostatyke (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 18:47
Unhappy hax, your report sums it up as well as possible on a dismal night.
Just one thing: Lozzer went away despite the club wanting him to stay, but Hughes was "given" away.
I suspect our finances are in a sort of interim, treading water sort of phase, and we can't afford two number tens. Think of it as if you were selling your car, you wouldn't buy a new set of expensive tyres now would you?
Just one thing: Lozzer went away despite the club wanting him to stay, but Hughes was "given" away.
I suspect our finances are in a sort of interim, treading water sort of phase, and we can't afford two number tens. Think of it as if you were selling your car, you wouldn't buy a new set of expensive tyres now would you?
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Haxbytyke (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 18:57
Quote:almostatyke
Think of it as if you were selling your car, you wouldn't buy a new set of expensive tyres now would you?
No I wouldn't, but I'd make sure the ones I had kept me on the road.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Beeston Lion (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 19:11
The players I spoke to after the match were bemused by the performance but unanimous that the team are better than that and its a matter of time before things click. Hope their feelings are not misplaced and that its happens sooner rather than later.
One happy Leeds Carnegie Academy graduate was happier last night Alex Reider told me it was his first win facing a Carnegie side!
One happy Leeds Carnegie Academy graduate was happier last night Alex Reider told me it was his first win facing a Carnegie side!
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: leemingtyke (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 19:43
The thing is though, the players wont tell you anything other than the party line. They're hardly likely to say 'you know what mate, trainings been@#$%&all week, I honestly can't see where the next win's coming from'.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: oopnorth (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 20:41
Maybe the players have a point
We have lost 4 games to decent teams by 13, 9, 6 and 6
Today London Scottish lost to Moseley.
Two play off places appear sorted already but two are not
You can either hope or not, depends on what sort of supporter you are.
We have lost 4 games to decent teams by 13, 9, 6 and 6
Today London Scottish lost to Moseley.
Two play off places appear sorted already but two are not
You can either hope or not, depends on what sort of supporter you are.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Scuffer (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 20:45
Oopnorth, have you been to the games? Several of the performances have been bad and are light years away from last season and the season before actually. We have gone a long way backwards in my view this season.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: oopnorth (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 21:08
Bristol only to date. Yes at the moment we are worse, everyone knows that, but we have some good players, and a limited ability to keep adding to the squad. So what do we as supporters do.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Haxbytyke (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 21:26
We'll continue to support the team Oop, but at the moment we have to accept we are a long way from where we expect to be. Some of the players, are struggling to play consistently at this level, and the replacements for Hampo, Hughes, and Kirsty are nowhere near as good as those 3 or there understudies were
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Scuffer (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 21:29
As supporters we have to stay behind the team that is why I applauded them off near the tunnel last night because the effort is there but there is something that is not quite right with the whole organisation this season. I hope it is due to GM arriving at the club far too late which meant we were almost certainly prepared in pre-season in a way that might well now be diametrically opposed to how GM wants them to play so we need time to sort things out. But having said that why did the club management take so long to appoint the coach after Lowes left? That is a major mistake in my view.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: leemingtyke (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 22:00
Quote:almostatyke
I suspect our finances are in a sort of interim, treading water sort of phase, and we can't afford two number tens.
Yet we can afford four hookers
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Haxbytyke (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 22:03
Quote:leemingtyke
Yet we can afford four hookers
You must be well off Ming, I can't afford a hooker.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: leemingtyke (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 22:16
Like many things in life Hax,
Being able to afford something is one thing
But persuading your wife to let you have it is completely another!!
Being able to afford something is one thing
But persuading your wife to let you have it is completely another!!
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Haxbytyke (IP Logged)
Date: 08/11/2014 22:18
Like it Ming.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Carnegiette1 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/11/2014 14:15
Very funny Leeming- that made me smile, which given the report I had just read is no mean feat.....
We have talked a lot of the backs we have lost (and I don't think we let Lozzer go) but not of the forwards. This has left Buzz badly exposed as literally the only ball carrier.
The Williams break, from a clever offload from Wakka (I think- correct me if I am wrong) left Clarke clear 30 yards from the line. I expected him to score, but he didn't have the pace. But where were his support runners who have got the pace? The frustration is 1 converted try would have won that game.
Disappointing all round
We have talked a lot of the backs we have lost (and I don't think we let Lozzer go) but not of the forwards. This has left Buzz badly exposed as literally the only ball carrier.
The Williams break, from a clever offload from Wakka (I think- correct me if I am wrong) left Clarke clear 30 yards from the line. I expected him to score, but he didn't have the pace. But where were his support runners who have got the pace? The frustration is 1 converted try would have won that game.
Disappointing all round
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: St Saltaire (IP Logged)
Date: 10/11/2014 19:36
I watched this match as a neutral rugby fan. There wasn't much to choose between the sides and it looked as if the Carnegie pack could have had the upper hand if the back row had committed themselves to the breakdown instead of clogging up the midfield, slowing breaks and constantly dropping the ball. A bit more creativity at halfback and a return to ruby union basics would probably see a turnaround in fortunes.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Griz66 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/11/2014 20:08
Good point about the breakdown area, for the last three games (excepting Aberavon) the forwards have failed to clear out at the ruck. They are getting there but not consistently driving beyond the ball, consequently slowing down the next phase.
Having watched the last 5 matches it appears that one of the 9s will dig the ball out to try and speed things up and the other shows rather more reticence in that particular regard.
Having watched the last 5 matches it appears that one of the 9s will dig the ball out to try and speed things up and the other shows rather more reticence in that particular regard.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: almostatyke (IP Logged)
Date: 10/11/2014 21:31
Quote:St Saltaire
I watched this match as a neutral rugby fan. There wasn't much to choose between the sides and it looked as if the Carnegie pack could have had the upper hand if the back row had committed themselves to the breakdown instead of clogging up the midfield, slowing breaks and constantly dropping the ball. A bit more creativity at halfback and a return to ruby union basics would probably see a turnaround in fortunes.
Nice one Norman and thanks for giving Bobba a lift home.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Bobba (IP Logged)
Date: 11/11/2014 11:05
This season I no longer am a season ticket holder. As a result I try to be impartial at the games I watch.
I have been to Headingley twice this season. The first was against Doncaster. Did I think that was bad? Well, compared to the Rotherham game it was bl**dy brilliant!
I've visited Huddersfield, Harrogate, Halifax, Bradford, Wetherby this season and that was, by a long way the worst performance by any side that I have seen all season and probably the last few seasons.
Surely things on the field must improve.
It is all very well blaming the coaches. They are not on the field of play. The players are. Even at grass roots level players are coached basic skills. At professional level these should be pin sharp. Wet ball, greasy pitch, snow and sleet, rain... oh for goodness sake it is a sport played in the winter months! Simply not good enough. Never mind the coach fronting up the players must do likewise. I hope, as a Leeds lad, that a lesson has been learned by all concerned and that matters improve immeasurably hereon in.
In the meantime, I will continue my travels around Yorkshire watching excellent rugby at the lower amateur levels.
By the way Norman. The lift was very much appreciated. The Albion was in full voice and managed to cheer me up after the Headingley experience. Thanks once again!
I have been to Headingley twice this season. The first was against Doncaster. Did I think that was bad? Well, compared to the Rotherham game it was bl**dy brilliant!
I've visited Huddersfield, Harrogate, Halifax, Bradford, Wetherby this season and that was, by a long way the worst performance by any side that I have seen all season and probably the last few seasons.
Surely things on the field must improve.
It is all very well blaming the coaches. They are not on the field of play. The players are. Even at grass roots level players are coached basic skills. At professional level these should be pin sharp. Wet ball, greasy pitch, snow and sleet, rain... oh for goodness sake it is a sport played in the winter months! Simply not good enough. Never mind the coach fronting up the players must do likewise. I hope, as a Leeds lad, that a lesson has been learned by all concerned and that matters improve immeasurably hereon in.
In the meantime, I will continue my travels around Yorkshire watching excellent rugby at the lower amateur levels.
By the way Norman. The lift was very much appreciated. The Albion was in full voice and managed to cheer me up after the Headingley experience. Thanks once again!
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Duncang (IP Logged)
Date: 14/11/2014 10:49
Did you all know that Friday night was 'record breaking'?
It was the lowest scoring match in the Championship ever!
The previous record was Coventry 6 - 3 Moseley in 2010.
It was the lowest scoring match in the Championship ever!
The previous record was Coventry 6 - 3 Moseley in 2010.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Wildwillie (IP Logged)
Date: 14/11/2014 17:51
We didn't deserve to get 3 points.
Re: Headingley Horror Show
Posted by: Gelbel (IP Logged)
Date: 17/11/2014 14:46
Well we did - but Leonard missed a sitter.
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