Smiffy27 wrote:I've had a good look at the first 28 mins of the game. Musgrove only lasted 27/28 mins before being taken off. I particularly watched Musgrove/Wood/Russell though Whitehead got through a lot of early work.
Musgrove took the ball up to the opposition 7 times, Russell 5 and Wood 4. The tougher carries (from KO & close to the ruck) were made by Musgrove. Musgrove lost the ball in a three man tackle once. Russell lost it once. Musgrove also gave a penalty away for delaying the opposition player getting to his feet. Wood stood wider from the play the ball. I think our play lost something from about the 30 minute mark.
Musgrove does seem to frustrate a few (who know a lot about the game) but in those 27 minutes he made quite a contribution.
I watched Musgrove closely last night - did a lot of work in the time he was on the pitch, ran very hard and while he didn't break the line it was taking three men to bring him down. I thought he did pretty well. To be honest I think the Widnes defence deserves a huge amount of credit. Cai Taylor-Wray saw a lot of the ball and was very threatening with ball in hand but they dealt with him more effectively than some SL teams did last season. I don't think he broke the line once.
Ben Harthill was excellent, a really promising option if one of Walker or Powell are injured or rested, strong in defence and good running and distribution.