Joined: Jan 25 2012 Posts: 472 Location: 3 Miles From HQ
tigertot wrote: I was puzzled that you never attempted a drop goal in normal time. Without being able to see a clock I didn't realise it was so close to FT. Not sure whether the players were aware.
There is a large digital clock in the East Stand - the stand that Leeds were attacking towards in the second half. They knew how long was left. It appeared they gambled on running the clock down as much as possible to prevent KR from counter attacking.
The drop goal was setup a couple of times, but the ball never got to the pocket. It was either run in by a forward instead, which ultimately led to the knock-on that lost us the game, or a Leeds player stood out of position blocking the path. It looked like a communication clusterf**k in the last couple of minutes.
Joined: Aug 09 2011 Posts: 1906 Location: Deepest North Yorkshire Woodland
Leeds_Luke wrote:There is a large digital clock in the East Stand - the stand that Leeds were attacking towards in the second half. They knew how long was left. It appeared they gambled on running the clock down as much as possible to prevent KR from counter attacking.
The drop goal was setup a couple of times, but the ball never got to the pocket. It was either run in by a forward instead, which ultimately led to the knock-on that lost us the game, or a Leeds player stood out of position blocking the path. It looked like a communication cluster**ck in the last couple of minutes.
I would think that Smith would have the squad practicing the drop goal scenario. Or maybe not!!
Joined: Aug 17 2006 Posts: 684 Location: the east , red side of hull
Rhino Rock wrote:What he hell was that at the end with KR fans. Always thought that they were an OK bunch but tonight made think that it doesn't matter whether they are black & white or red & white, essentially they are all cod heads.
I,l correct you there, we are not cod heads. That is reserved for our yellow belly neighbours across the river in Lincolnshire. Obviously you can’t take a loss …
Some observations. Too many occasions of players taking the ball from a standing start. Losing 10-20 yards on a number of plays as a consequence of standing too deep and still (Rovers defensive line speed notwithstanding). Can't recall too many occasions where we took it to their defensive line either. We had plenty of field position to win the game but the execution in their 20 was poor on the night and ultimately cost us.
Joined: Aug 09 2011 Posts: 1906 Location: Deepest North Yorkshire Woodland
YosemiteSam wrote:Some observations. Too many occasions of players taking the ball from a standing start. Losing 10-20 yards on a number of plays as a consequence of standing too deep and still (Rovers defensive line speed notwithstanding). Can't recall too many occasions where we took it to their defensive line either. We had plenty of field position to win the game but the execution in their 20 was poor on the night and ultimately cost us.
Genuine question, who is to blame for that situation. Poor coaching, lack of talented players or players not obeying coaching instructions. I was disappointed at Wakefield the amount of times Wakefield when In possession marched 60 or 70 years upfield. Our defensive line speed was woeful. On more than one occasion this season I have looked on with bewilderment at poor and shoddy certain passages of play. As usual I will be turning up next season . Unless things change I won’t be turning up with a great deal of enthusiasm.
Backwoodsman wrote:I would think that Smith would have the squad practicing the drop goal scenario. Or maybe not!!
I'm sure they do on a daily basis, but practice is no substitute for a calm head and natural talent in a game situation. The harsh truth is that our current spine players our collectively not good enough to allow us to come away with the points in 50/50 games. Myler, Austin and Sezer were terrible for Agar and no better than consistently inconsistent for Smith. Our fortunes won't change in any real way until better options are found in at least 3 of the 4 spine positions. The prospect of Austin and Myler in the halves next year fills me with dread. The club still has a lot of cap space for next year but unless we sort these key positions out, we'll see similar or worse results.
Agree with AC. We can maybe squeeze another year out of Myler at FB with Austin possibly given another year (definitely not two). I'd keep O'Connor as back up but I in an ideal world we'd be bringing in a new half, better two, and a starting 9.
"Look, I'd never use injuries as an excuse..." Daryl Powell
Smith is on the field almost every week. there's nothing stopping him taking the lead. Peacock didn't need to be captain to lead the forwards. I see no evidence that he has any more 'leadership' ability than anyone else in the squad.
We have individually enough talent when everyone's fit to beat anyone on our day, but too many players in the squad who need to be led around. When we do play well its generally as a team, but when things get tough our playmakers vanish and everyone seems clueless as a group. Add to that our general softness in defence and you can see why lower half teams love playing us - the message will be get into a wrestle and Leeds will fall apart.
If we lose at Sts we're likely to be 3 wins off the top 6. Its not far off being only a mathematical possibility to qualify for the play offs. Disappointing is an understatement.
I still think Smith needs a chance with decent players in the key positions. But if we don't get some real quality at halfback we'll struggle to be more than mid table again. Our spine is shockingly bad as a group.
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