Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Mon Jul 07, 2014 4:54 pm
Tuesday 7th July 2014:We're solidly placed in 4th in the league and probably higher up than most of us imagined we'd be. A great achievement by the lads - well done.
Whilst winning games, there have been some worrying aspects to our performances. They can be highlighted by a couple of stats:
In the 18 league games played this season, we have won 12 but we have only denied the opposition a bonus point in 3 of those matches. Compare this to the other top teams in the league:
Denying teams a Bonus Point when winning the match:
Leigh = 13 times out of 18 wins (72%)
Featherstone = 8 out of 12 wins (67%)
Halifax = 7 out of 11 (64%)
Dewsbury = 5 out of 10 (50%)
Dons = 3 out of 12 (25%)
Another decent measure of performance is points difference.
The points difference of the top sides:
Leigh +418
Fev +232
Fax +168
Dews +65
Sheff +42
Batley +26
Dons +21
Keighley +13
We're only 7th in the points difference table.
I believe the results suggest we have a team with superb spirit who are probably fitter than most of their opponents. This is allowing us to grind out results in close games. This is a great credit to the players and coaching staff.
But when it comes to imposing ourselves on a game, we're coming up short.
The two questions I am asking myself are:
1) Have we reached the peak of what we can achieve with the budget and playing squad we've presently got?
2) Would we have been able to grind out some of these results without the help of that extra bit of class the Hull lads have provided us with throughout the season?
To move forward further, I believe we're going to need the continued support and goodwill from Hull, along with adding two or three better quality players to our own squad. I think Steve Snitch has been a great addition to the squad and adding a few players of similar class for next season is what is needed.
I'm sure PC has in mind what he wants to do for next season and has targets in mind.
This season to date has far exceeded my hopes and these observations are not meant to be a criticism of anyone - just an appraisal of where I feel we're at along with a few things we need to bear in mind for the future.
A big well done to all at the club and a big thank you to Hull for helping us out too.