So the competitive stuff starts this week.

Quite like the changes to the 1895 Cup. It's a stand alone comp rather than the ridiculous situation of it being merged with the challenge cup. Also with it being at the start of the season there's more reason to do well in it. When it's in the middle of the season it's almost a positive to be knocked out to have a rest. But with still 6 weeks until the champ season kicks-off, we don't want to be knocked out.

Dewsbury had a shocker against Keighley and are effectively now out. So expecting a straight forward victory. We've looked good in pre-aeason, fit and mainly dominated everyone in terms of field position, although obviously take it with a pinch of salt as some of the opposition were very young.

Agree with all that. Was surprised that Dewsbury were well beaten by Keighley. Assuming all goes according to plan the away game at Keighley will be interesting, hopefully a mile better than our last visit.

For Dewsbury I think the side picks itself in most areas. Jowitt and Myers got knocks last week so we may see them miss out. The makeup of our bench when everyone is fit intrigues me. Doro and Scurr are certainties but what about the other two spots? Are we intending Flanagan to have a place so that Souter gets a breather? Do we use Appo as an impact player and play Hallas from the start? Can Okoro play back row or loose forward?

So are the cup holders already out of this? I haven't really followed how the new format works tbh.

Fun Fact: Sunday's game is Paul Sykes' 18000th competitive game.

I always rated his versatility and footballing brain. To still be turning out at 73 is remarkable.

All after spending years in prison, swimming the straights of Johor and punching sharks.

Thanks

Keith x

Overall good win in poor weather conditions. Thought first half we looked focused and disciplined (despite the knock ons from the kick offs). Second half we were poor and allowed ourselves to get drawn into a scrappy arm wrestle.

Downside was the injuries to Blackmore and Scurr which hopefully aren't too bad.

One thing that really wound me up today was some of our own fans. Really don't get paying £20 to just shout abuse at referee. I mean occasionally you might moan at a decision but this was constant. Two women in front of me were like wailing banshees... everything was a bad call and Bulls couldn't do no wrong.

We are all a little bias but some of our own really need to learn the rules rather than getting on the cider.

Hopefully another win next week. Perform like the first half and we are looking forward to a QF place.

just from listening

too many errors, first half when we scored we couldnt deal with the restart and gave up possession with unenforced errors. thankfully our D held.
second half just became a penalty error-athon.

injuries to blackmore and scurr major concerns

To be fair, the Rams used the wind to their advantage really well be just sticking it up high and letting mother nature do its thing. Every kick in that first half was a 50:50 ad it was still moving massively on its way down.

It's the other errors I'd be more concerned about.

Does anyone know if we lost 2 players to HIAs?.
Peposhi came in as 18th man
New rules state 18th man can come on if 2 players have serious injuries from foul play resulting in a sin bin or red or 2 HIAs.
Are we in trouble for a rule breach?

18th man can enter the field of play if 2 players have failed an HIA ( previously 3) or
If a player is unable to continue through injury resulting from foul play when the opposing player is sin binned or red carded.