Return this week?

By Zandra
February 5 2014

So, this weekend, after the mighty Leeds Carnegie put a rather 'out of sorts' Bedford team to the sword, our battle hardened little Braves travel down the M1 to West London to take on league new comers, Ealing Trailfinders. 

Ok, we won on Sunday, we beat Bedford, we racked up 50 points, we got the BP, however, we weren't clinical enough. Yosser missed two pens and two cons so we could have had 60 pts. We also fumbled a gifted try scoring opportunity late in the second half, so there is plenty to work on for J-Lo's boys.  As was said by some, good opposition would have snatched that game.

We battered Ealing 64-3 under the Friday Night Lights back in October; however, the Ealing boys are coming off the back of a very good draw down at Pirates.  Now not many can boast a feat such as that and although they are holding up the league, they clearly need to be watched carefully, especially now they finding their feet.  DoR Mike Cudmore's boys are only two points off Jersey and I suspect those two will battle it out to the bitter end for the prize of remaining in the Championship.

As you know, I like to give you all a feel for the team and players our Ninjas are about to do battle with, so with thanks to 'Statbunker.com' here we go.

Ealing only have two wins in the league so far, both away games at Jersey and Nottingham.  So no home wins yet and that gives me a very uneasy feeling! Their top scorer is Winger Phil Chesters who has bagged 7 tries so far out of a total of 20 for the whole season. Whereas most teams in the Championship have at least a third of their tries scored by forwards, Ealing lag behind, their forwards only contributing three tries out of 20. As a result, I predict our hungry, gnarled lumps will give the London boys a master class in forward play (I hope)!!

So on to our little Warriors. Last week saw RV get on couple of tries and it was great to see him scoring again. I think Griffo missed last week due to compassionate reasons so he might struggle to shift RV, unless he returns to the centres. I think Lozzer might replace Yosser for this game and get him some much needed game time. Also, when Baby Doc came on for Hampo he was as lively as ever and his great move nicely set up RV for his second try.  For the forwards, even if Asbo is fully fit, I think Joe will start, he did ok on Sunday. Buzz is cooking on gas, hope no Premiership teams are sniffing around him, and Harry played well also.

Our next two games are Ealing and Moseley, we should be aiming for two good BP wins, and nothing less will really do at this stage of the season. If we keep plodding, winning our games we will find ourselves in the POs come April.

I will say that for all our mistakes on Sunday, when things click we look good, way better than I've seen in the last few seasons, a pleasure to watch even.

So, I will predict a comfortable Leeds Carnegie win to keep us top four.  To all those travelling, have a safe journey down to Landaaarn Taarn where we will definitely be (unlike poor Leeds United)...........

Marching on Together!!

Blazing Trails to Ealing.

Discussion started by TykesRugby.co.uk (IP Logged), 05/02/2014 22:45

TykesRugby.co.uk
05/02/2014 22:45

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:02:17:13:07:16 by Gelbel.

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Wildwillie
06/02/2014 05:19

A should win/ must win game. Potential for a slip up? Always present so we need to keep on top for 80 minutes.

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JohnnyP
06/02/2014 08:15

My glass is still very much half full after last weeks performance. Bedford players and press were extremely complementary about how clinical we were. Suppose it shows what a good position we are in when a fifty point win is greeted with so much gnashing of teeth. Sure there will be players rested with so many good players on the fringes itching for game time. They should be hungry and have the desire required for what looks like being a battle in the wet. Interestingly Ealing have had their best results away from home. All said should and must be 5 points to capitalise on top two playing each other this weekend.

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Rocky's Dad
06/02/2014 08:33

Thanks Zan

Excellent Preview as always

Although I'm in London at the weekend sadly in the North not the East so won’t be able to get to the game.

I'm confident the lads will do us proud

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Albert Fishwick
06/02/2014 09:18

I wouldn't be looking to rest anyone unless they are carrying a niggle. We should treat the opposition with respect but aim to put the match beyond their reach as early as possible.

If I had all the money I've spent on drink ..... I'd spend it on drink.

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almostatyke
06/02/2014 18:18

Quote:

Rocky's Dad
Thanks Zan
Excellent Preview as always

Although I'm in London at the weekend sadly in the North not the East so won’t be able to get to the game.

I'm confident the lads will do us proud

I don't suppose it will make any difference, but to avoid confusion, Ealing is in West London.

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Madtyke
06/02/2014 20:29

I had me worried for a mo as my train to Castle Bar Park is from Paddington! Looking forward to see an away win.

[www.arborfieldoldboys.co.uk]

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Haxbytyke
06/02/2014 21:02

Good stuff again Zan. Sadly can't make it on Saturday, I'll be relying on Radio Leeds, but I'll be somewhat disappointed if we don't pick up 5 points from the bottom club. Before they take the field, J-Lo should just remind them what happened at Donny last season, if that doesn't do the trick, then nothing will!
We could pick up 10 points from the next two games, and still be third in the table, but we are in control of our own destiny, hopefully it will stay that way.

COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:02:06:21:03:50 by Haxbytyke.

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Rocky's Dad
07/02/2014 07:38

Quote:

almostatyke

Quote:

Rocky's Dad
Thanks Zan
Excellent Preview as always

Although I'm in London at the weekend sadly in the North not the East so won’t be able to get to the game.

I'm confident the lads will do us proud

I don't suppose it will make any difference, but to avoid confusion, Ealing is in West London.

Thanks for putting me right Almo

I think that’s called a senior moment I should know its West as I worked in Acton for a number of years (That’s next door to Ealing) and follow my previous directions I would never have got to work.

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Rocky
07/02/2014 08:36

Tonight's Moseley game has become the first casualty to the elements with it being called off. I suggest that all traveling keep a close eye on the Ealing and Leeds websites/twitter feeds for updates.

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JohnnyP
07/02/2014 09:07

If you are on the fringes at a club that plays next to no other fixtures apart from the Championship games are you supposed to be happy being professional trainer?

If you have a squad of good and hungry players all waiting for an opportunity and fail to give them one they will move onto somewhere where they feel more valued.

If you cannot afford to rest a few players against the bottom side in the League it means your squad players are not good enough for the Championship let alone the Premiership.

We have a lot of good players in our squad not all of whom are regular first 15, they need a chance. What happens if all our loanees are pulled back?

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