BigTime wrote:Lovell’s drop in minute one was symptomatic of the first half. Both teams kept dropping the ball and making errors. Sheffield were dominant for first 20/25 and we have to give Broncos some credit that the score didn’t get away from us. Leyland’s miss was really poor. We really need to have more competition for kicking duties because it’s a real weakness. It wouldn’t surprise me if Bassett could do the job. 2nd half thought it was more even. We could have won but didn’t. Compared to the first two games of last season it’s chalk and cheese but bottom line two home losses on the bounce. Though Ulberg did well and Natoli. Didn’t think Albert did well. No Bienek. Think he could have been the difference.
I'm perhaps being a bit harsh off the back of what was a very frustrating result. You're right that we did well to stay in the contest, especially considering the number of errors early doors. I thought Sheffield's tactics were strange at times, seemed to be trying to move the point of attack constantly, which led to errors. I was expecting them to be much more direct given the differential in the packs. We do seem to be starting games very sluggishly in possession, something we need to fix up swiftly.
I thought Ulberg and Natoli did well too, Silva was a threat and of all the loanees, he's probably the one I'm keenest to keep hold of. Bill Leyland looked lively coming off the bench again. At least we have hooker depth! Pleased with how Bassett went as well, thought it was probably the strongest game he's had for us. It's clear that centre isn't his first choice position, but maybe he gets a run at FB if Walker has an injury. One of the trainers seemed to be following Walker around for a chunk of the second half, so fingers crossed.
Albert was poor and I thought he looked like he was carrying a knock from the start. Not sure what the sketch is with Bienek either, he might have been the difference as you say.
I probably take the overall same impression from the first four games. An improvement on this point last season, but it would be going some to match that. Feels like we have been in all of the games so far, but our consistency over 80 mins just isn't there yet.
As an aside, does anyone know what/who the presentation was for at the end of the game? I was hoping the club social media might have said something but.....