We came into this fixture riding high on a 7-game winning streak, but once again found ourselves undone by a York side that continues to have our number. Despite moments where it looked like we could take control, the same frustrating patterns resurfaced: individual errors, a lack of composure when in control, and a tendency to gift York possession through careless decisions.



We earned good field position on multiple occasions but repeatedly let ourselves down with poor execution on final plays, a consistent achilles heel throughout the match. Simply put, if we have ambitions of challenging for a top-three finish, this performance shows we’re still some way off. The levels required just aren’t there at the moment, and that’s a concern. Discipline was another issue, with large parts of the game spent on the back foot due to avoidable penalties and poor decision-making. Some decisions from the referee were questionable but we need to be able to maintain our composure when things start to go against us.


However, the main bright spot was the return of Tom Holmes from long-term injury. His energy and creativity gave our attack a much-needed spark, and he was instrumental in setting up the second-half try for Armitage. I'm not sure why Souter didn't return but hopefully that's not another injury picked up. Konrad Hurrell went well and gained some good yardage. Hopefully he can improve and get some confidence back after finding himself shipped out from Saints.



In the end, it's another missed opportunity and a stark reminder that we need to improve — and fast — if we’re to be taken seriously in the race to be top of the Championship.

I agree some players are looking tired and I agree that Peposhi needs a shot, he impressed me in pre season.  He's a bit raw but needs game time otherwise what's the point?

I'd hope Mason is fit so he can also get some gametime.  Waine and Ott too.  Waine is a real rocks and diamonds type of player.  His offloading ability is what we need to create some openings but we don't need the errors or penalties.  


What's Sam Ackroyd up to?  Is he on loan?  

Halifax set to play next 5 home games at odsal it's on love rugby 

Thanks, opened a thread of its own for that.

Disappointing to lose, obviously. 
York really do seem to be our modern day St. Helens don't they.


Step back a minute though. 
We are 2nd on the ladder at the half way point. We still have time to improve too before the business end. 


York seem to be in their purple patch now and could fade away towards the back end of the season. Reminds me a little of our 2000 season when we won the cup and faded away.


Agree with the other posts around mental toughness and tactical variety. The coaching staff and players really need to get stuck into those elements. The changes in personnel shouldn't really affect these either.

"All teams win games they don't expect to win and lose games they don't expect to lose" - P G Fox.

So I suppose being in 2nd is still decent.   However, if we'd won that eminently winnable game at home to Barrow we'd be level on points with Toulouse.


We're doing enough to win most games albeit not very stylishly and when we've come up against our main rivals for the top 2 (York and Toulouse) we've come off second best which is disappointing as it doesn't represent any improvement on last year so far.    


There's definite room for improvement especially in terms of the way we attack and our kicking game.  Whether the players have the quality to do that and the coaches can get it out of them remains to be seen.  I'd like to see more variation in our play with some more support runners as we're far too predictable.  


I think the defence in the main has been ok barring some recent hiccups on the left and around the ruck.