ADE GARDENER
2012
2011
EMOTIONAL IS NOT THE WORD
It’s always a little bit sad when the season is drawing to a close but Saturday was more than just the last home game of the season and I don't need to explain why. We all knew what was coming but it didn't make it any less emotional!! I thought the club got everything right on from the way the academy players and cheerleaders formed a guard of honour for the team to walk out between to the recorded speeches from the outgoing players; it was very professional but also with a very personal touch.
On the pitch the Cas’ game was all about the result, mostly for us to finish in a playoff place but also to give Justin and the outgoing players the perfect finale to their Craven Park careers. Whilst at times during the game we weren’t at our best, at other times we played some great stuff. It was clear there was a lot of emotion running through the players and we can only imagine what the atmosphere was like in the home dressing before the game!! It was great to see Mick Vella cross the line for a try and it’s the least he deserved on his last appearance at Craven Park. The players reaction to his try was there for all to see. Craig Hall was again, for the third game running outstanding. The forwards, led by Vella, made good yards with virtually every drive and as has been the case over the last 8 or so games, Dobbo and Blake pulled all the strings.
The final hooter went at the end of a tense finish and for the third game on the trot we had won by two points, a play off place was assured and we had leapfrogged the tramps from the west of the city. Not bad considering that back in June they were mouthing off about finishing in the top 4!!!! Bunch of clowns.
As I say, the club got everything right on Saturday and the decision for the players to make recorded messages to play to fans suggests that some if not all of the outgoing players felt it would be too much of an emotional occasion to actually speak to the crowd on the pitch after the game. All the speeches were brilliant and you could tell each player meant every word; for me Ben Fisher’s was, well, heart rendering. I was stood in the well and there was a lot of grown men pretending they had something in their in eye as Fish spoke of his love for the club, the fans and the east of the city. It was great to hear each individual player speak about their time here, how proud they are to have been part of the club and their favourite moments. The players then went on their deserved lap of honour. Before leaving the pitch the players all stood around the tunnel area having many pictures taken with each other and their families.
Jayne and I were in the 10-5 suit on Saturday so there was more emotion to come as Justin gave his interview on stage and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a tear in my eye (as did everyone) as Justin paid tribute to Neil for giving him the chance to be the club’s coach, and how he will miss everything about the club - especially the fans. But that wasn't it, well, not for me anyway. Before going through to the Harry Poole, Justin said to Jayne he wanted to see us both before we left; he came back around 45 minutes later came straight over to me and gave me his personalised polo shirt!! This seasons red polo with JM on it, I was dumbstruck, lost for words (not like me), and he shook my hand, gave Jayne a big hug and thanked us for our support. He then went to a couple of other people and did the same. That is simply who Justin is as a person; with all that was going on that day, he could still remember to do that.
The only down side to getting in to the playoffs and leapfrogging the gypsies is that it means we are back to the South of France. Now whilst I having nothing against the Catalan Dragons club they are in the play offs by right and fully deserve a home tie as reward for their final league position. However, how do the RFL expect supporters to arrange travel to Perpignan at such short notice?? It’s a farce it really is. And it is a shame that come Saturday the boys will only have around 200 at the most backing them in Perpignan.
I think we have a great chance of winning Saturday so let’s hope we do get to see the boys play again on home soil this season.
RRTR
We're all going on a summer holiday
So 50 or so of us boarded Adge's coach on route to Lloret for a week’s holiday but the obvious main purpose of the trip was to go and cheer the boys in Perpignan for our last regular away league game of the season. Flying out of Leeds/Bradford airport on Monday 29th August, we arrived in Lloret mid afternoon to nice sunny weather and a very nice hotel.
To say it was a good week is an understatement, it really was, with everyone from the youngest in Brooklyn and Oliver to the oldest (who I won't name lol) getting on very well; as always, loads of laughs and loads of banter.
Some great stories were told: Janice Pidd telling us about how she used to have her paper delivered by a man with one leg and he could do his delivery on a bicycle, Shane telling us about when he was a lad and a strange man who used to drive around Bransholme selling toffee apples out of his car. That’s all I can write about that story for legal reasons although it was worrying when Jayne said, and I quote "I really missed the toffee apple after he went to prison!"
Quote of the holiday was by young Stephen Smith at the water park. As we stood queuing for one of the many water slides in the boiling sun I said to my adopted son for the week "Stephen go get some sun cream on your back & shoulders or you will get sun burn." To which Stephen replied, "It’s ok Ade I don't need any sun cream on I never have as I don't burn!" The next morning young Mr Smith had a blister the size of a golf ball on each shoulder and a back that resembled something out of the singing detective!! Luckily Dr Richard Painter was on hand to lance his blisters and cover his back in cream, so he didn't suffer too much discomfort. There are some good stories from the younger members of the group about their nights round Lloret but I will let Red Ramblings tell you about them!!
So game day arrived and 8 buses left the Lloret area to make the short-ish journey to Perpignan. It wasn't long before we turned Perpignan red and white, loads of Rovers fans enjoying the sun and the cheap beer, well 4 Euros 50 cents a pint is cheap for Perpignan!! Great to see the legend who is Gary Prohm in Perpignan; he was my hero when I was young lad and he was brilliant posing for photos and talking to loads of fans. The problem in the past inside the ground is that, very cleverly, the Catalans Dragons had ticketed away supporters in such a way that it would split us up in various parts of the ground, which made it difficult to create an atmosphere. But not this time! A new stand at one end of the ground meant that well over a 1000 of us gathered in one stand (with a roof) and sang our hearts out. The players responded to it, getting off to a great start with tries from Rhys and copper top to give us a 12-0 lead.
Dobbo converted a penalty to put us 14-0 up but the French side hit back with 2 tries of their own making it 10-14. The boys were soon extending their lead again with a great move to put Latus in at the corner and just as the hooter sounded Craig Hall gathered a kick on our own line and set off down the wing. He managed to hold off two tacklers before passing inside for Welham to go 60 yards to score a brilliant try; Dobbo added the extras and we went in leading 24-10 at the break. Obviously Catalans were gonna come out strong in the second half and they scored a couple of tries to make it 24-22 but the boys hit back and Hall deservedly got a try after a great kick from who else but Dobbo?
Yet again the French side came back scoring again making it 30-28 with 10 minutes left. Our boys looked tired but we sang our hearts out, get behind the lads and urged them to give one final effort. The French were all over us like a rash but the boys defended like their lives depended on it and when the hooter sounded we went ballistic. It was a great win and the result was fully deserved, Mick Vella was outstanding and played a real captains role. Craig Hall was fantastic as well but this was a true team performance without the suspended Blake Green. The players came over to applaud the red army; I always feel that each and every one of them really do appreciate the support they get at away games. We boarded the coaches back to Lloret and celebrated long into the night - and I sure Jayne & Janice Pidd won't be having Jager Bombs again!!
Monday morning arrived and we were heading back to Hull as news arrived that more players are leaving the club. On this occasion, the club announced that Ben Fisher and Clint Newton are to leave at the end of the season. Personally I aren't surprised Clint is leaving; I always thought once it was confirmed Morgs was leaving that Clint wouldn’t be too far behind. Sad to see Ben go, been a great servant for the club, very much an unsung hero.
So it’s a winner takes all game against Cas on Saturday. Win and we're in the play offs, lose and the season is over. Whatever happens result wise, its gonna be a very emotional day at Craven Park with it being the last time at Craven Park for Morgs, Briscoe, Fox, Colbon, Cook, Vella, Newton, Fisher & maybe one or two others yet to be announced. Let’s hope it’s a win and not our last game of the season.
Just wanna finish by saying a massive thanks to Adge and Val for organising such a great trip to Lloret/Perpignan. It was brilliant from start to finish, well organised, making it a great week.
RRTR
ALLEZ LES ROUGE
Apparently Carlsberg don't do weekends but they could have just done mine! It started Friday when I won a competition, oh yes; a caption competition, and my prize?? A Sam Fox goodie bag; I mean, what more could a man want, eh? I had a Sam Fox pillow case in the 80s but that's another story! Then on Saturday I was down in London watching Liverpool beat Arsenal 2-0, and then to top it all, yesterday the boys put in a great team performance to beat Saints, which keep our play hopes alive.
Had yesterday's performance been a cake then Blake Green would have been the icing on the top of it. What a signing Blake has been; he oozes class and just keeps getting better. There was so many positives to take from yesterday’s display: Craig Hall's performance being one of them. Craig hasn't been given many chances this season but he looked like he had been playing first team rugby all season. He looked confident in defence and in attack, looked comfortable under the high ball and did brilliantly for his try. Also, a mention for young Latus who had a great game took his try well and was excellent in defence and attack as well. Our pack was outstanding: Scott Taylor just gets better and better, Watts is getting back to his best and Wheeldon again made good yards. Jordan Cox was again outstanding and I wonder if Justin regrets not giving him his chance a lot earlier in the season?
So league wise it’s as you were and we can still make the playoffs. I expect our neighbours to beat Castleford in their next game and then regardless of our result in the South of France, it will come down to our last league game of the season at home to Castleford, so the sooner Sky put us out of our misery and announce that the game is to be moved for TV the better.
Well this time next week I, along with one or two fellow Robins will be in Lloret starting our week’s holiday, which has obviously been booked around the boy’s game against Catalans. I am sure it will be an eventful week and I reckon there will be a lot to report on our return. Catalans away is always an eventful trip and I don't expect this trip to be any different!!
Allez Les Rouge
TRAINS, TAXIS AND RAMADAM
Quite a lot has happened at the club since we played at Huddersfield a fortnight ago. The club announced that Justin is to leave at the end of season and that Peter Fox will be a Wildcat in 2012, whilst also announcing the signings of Ryan O'Hara from Crusaders and Graeme Horne from Huddersfield for the 2012 campaign.
So for what could be the last time this season (depending on getting in the play offs or not) me, Tony, Conner and Kai boarded the train to travel to Bradford. We were joined by Rich for this trip and arrived in Bradford around half past four. We resisted the temptation to go straight down to The Top House; you know the one, the pub right near Odsal where about 400 people try to get served at once, and after a few beers the pork pies behind the bar start to look nice!! We had a few beers in the pub near the train station and yet again not for the first time this season we were conned out of all our 50 pence pieces by Conner & Kai so they could play pool.
We took a taxi down to Odsal and after paying I asked the driver if we could book him to pick us up after the game. The guy was Asian and he humorously explained to us that its Ramadam at the moment and he was already starving and he would be having as he put it "his munchies" at the time we wanted picking up.
As for the game, well, the pressure was on the boys to pick up the 2 points on offer to maintain our chances of finishing in a playoff place. The first half wasn't the best 40 minutes I have witnessed but with the half time score being 8-6 to the hosts, the game was finely balanced. Very early in the second half Ben Fisher gave away a penalty but Bradford failed to find touch and after a few tackles Rovers took the lead after Green set up Murrell to go in near the posts.
A couple of minutes later the boys increased their lead; a high kick by the Bulls was dropped by the Bradford attack and We reacted quickest, as Welham, who crossed the halfway line before passing to Foxy who sprinted to the posts. I was really pleased for Fox ‘cause he had played well first half, especially in defence. With further tries from Hodgson, Welham, Green and with Dobbo adding 5 of the 6 conversions, it turned out to be a comfortable win with the boys keeping the Bulls scoreless in the second half. Blake Green was brilliant and it was on the whole a very solid team performance.
So onto Sunday to play Saints at home, which won't be easy but along with our backing, the boys can do it. The victory made sure we are still in the mix for an 8th place finish and with Castleford losing again it looks like a 3 way fight between us, Cas and the Gypsies for 7th & 8th place.
To finish, I just wanna go back to the RSG player of the year awards last Tuesday. Congratulations to Kris Welham on winning both the fans and player’s player of the year awards. I have to make a special mention for Ben Cockayne who was present at the awards. It was great to see him there but speaking to him it was really sad because he is absolutely gutted to not be part of the club anymore. now some people will say he only has himself to blame but having spoke to him and along with everyone else at the awards, to watch him try to speak on the stage, it’s just a sad situation and for me he should still be a Hull Kingston Rovers player.
RRTR
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, JUSTIN
When Justin Morgan's leaves Craven Park for the last time it’s safe to say he will be leaving behind him one hell of a legacy. Unfortunately 'Morgs' hasn't been able to deliver the silverware that we as supporters crave and he as our coach somewhat deserves but it’s clear he has laid the foundations for the club to go onto bigger and better things.
Brought to the club in August 2005, Justin Morgan was the final piece in Neil Hudgell’s jigsaw as the club made its determined push to get in to the Super League. Justin's arrival was timed to perfection; a very ambitious club for a very ambitious coach and very quickly the supporters took to Justin, as he did to us, and the club and everything that makes Hull Kingston Rovers such a unique set up.
What Justin achieved in his first full season was amazing: Northern Rail cup finalists, Challenge Cup semi-finalists, beating super league Warrington along the way, and most important of all National League One grand final winners - so we could take our place back in the top tier of rugby league.
Since then the club has become an established Super League club and were recently awarded another 3-year SL licence. Under Justin's guidance the club has experienced far more highs than it has lows. Justin was never afraid to make the difficult decisions even if at the time they seemed harsh. He gave the players who got us into Super League the opportunity to keep us there which they did but he then dismantled that side, releasing players who had been at the club quite a while. I remember many Rovers fans being up in arms when Justin took the decision the release James Webster from the club when he got his serious shoulder injury. He brought Dobbo in, the decision yet again was right and Justin did what was best for the club even though at the time it did seem a very harsh decision.
Justin has been able to bring some quality players to the club players like Vella, Galea and Newton. They came to the club initially to play for Justin, Mark O'Neill was an inspired signing and his experience was invaluable in our first SL season. Add to that, players of the calibre of Briscoe, Fox, Dobson, Green, etc the list goes on plus the development of players like Taylor, Cox and Latus.
I like many people have met Justin on many occasions and as a person he really is a top bloke. When the club was still in National League we spent many Sunday nights in Crown and Justin would come in sit with us, have a couple of beers and talk about that weekend’s game. He has a presence about him one that makes people listen to what he has to say and it is always a joy to be in his company.
Unfortunately for everyone concerned this season has been disappointing and ultimately Justin has paid the price with his job, but it hasn't been the worst season in the club’s history. The difference with this season is that there was expectation for the club to go to the next level and to cement itself in the top 6 at least, and be making a serious challenge for the top 4. The hype around the signing of Willie Mason only added to the expectation. The Mason saga can't have helped Justin, and add that we lost Dobbo and Newton for a large chunk of the season and the club’s early season plans were in disarray.
As I said, this isn’t the worse season in the clubs history and we still have a very realistic chance of making the play offs and achieving that is very least that Justin deserves.
It is sad that Justin is leaving the club; He has had nothing but a positive effect on the club and is going to be greatly missed.
When the club spent all those seasons in the National League as the Super League went from strength to strength, we all watched the games on Sky dreaming of Rovers getting in to the Super League to play the likes of Wigan and Leeds and getting back to playing competitive derbies - Justin you made those dreams come true.
So just to say 'thanks for everything, Justin, you will be greatly missed and certainly what you have done for our club will never be forgotten'.
Take care 'Morgs' and all the best in your future career.
Ade & Jayne x
I THOUGHT WE DID OK
This article is gonna start with a rant, a rant at the overzealous behaviour of the Galpharm Stadium stewards yet again. It’s always the same at this stadium; people get ejected for nothing more than, at worst, being boisterous!! Yet again on Saturday, once the majority of Rovers fans were in the ground, along come the jumped up little Hitler’s in their orange vests thinking they can speak to people like dirt and then when people reply in the same manner they are on their walkie talkies asking for back up and getting people ejected. We all know drink plays a big part and people’s behaviour does change if they have had a good drink but some of the stewards at Huddersfield and at Wigan provoke people with their attitude. I will never understand why in a stand that has a capacity of over 3000 they are so insistent on people remaining seated when the stand wasn't even a third full!! Before people jump to conclusions, I wasn't ejected nor did I have any conflict with any stewards but the people that I know who were ejected are far from trouble makers.
Anyway, rant over and onto the action! On the pitch, to be fare, I thought we did ok - at least we were still in the game with 20 minutes to go but league wise it’s as you were. It was great to see Louis Sheriff and Jordan Cox in the side. Yeah Louis made a couple of costly mistakes but he will learn from that and become a better player for it. Cox didn't look out of place and yet again Scott Taylor was outstanding. As my headline says there are some positives from Saturday, great build up play for Scott Taylor’s try, excellent break by Clint for Josh Hodgson’s try and a fantastic try by Jake Webster. Watching the try again on TV, we really do move the ball down the line quick and Webster’s speed & power is there for all to see. What I couldn't understand was that after Webster’s try we hardly attacked that side anymore in the game.
But, and there's always a but with our boys this season, as much as there was some positives there was obviously some negatives and that was our defending, which at times was awful. it’s all well & good people pointing the finger of blame at young lads like Sheriff & Latus but what about some of our more experienced players? I mean the way a couple of our players bought that dummy off Faiumu for the Giants second try was criminal.
All that aside, we are still in with a very realistic chance of making the play offs. With both Dull and the Bulls getting beat, and now with a weekend off which will do our boys good, we travel to Bradford a week on Sunday for a game that yet again, like the Salford game recently, could spell the end of either club’s season.
So until next time RRTR
DECISIONS
As the 80's pop group Haircut 100 once sang 'where do we go from here?’ Well, as supporters that’s easy - Huddersfield on Saturday. But for the club as a whole, who knows? In the wake of the Warrington home game, the Chairman said changes had to be made and would be made but not until the Saints cup tie had been played. The decisions that Neil makes over the coming weeks will shape the future of the club for the coming seasons. Does he stick with Justin or does he bring in a new coach & coaching staff? Does he order a massive overhaul of the playing staff or stick with what we've got? I don't envy Neil ‘cause, as he knows, he has to get these decisions right.
We seem to be in a bit of limbo, better than the so-called weaker super league teams but way behind the top sides. Did those four wins on the trot leading up to yesterday just paper over the cracks? Did we travel to the game yesterday with nothing but false hope?
Granted, Saints were exceptional yesterday; being led by James Graham and James Roby who both put in brilliant displays but where was our resistance, our fight, our pride - especially from our forwards? We couldn't match the pace that Saints where playing the game at both in attack and defence, and they made easy yards whilst we struggled to make it into our opponents half. Along with Briscoe, both wingers and centres worked tirelessly without much reward, constantly driving the ball in from deep whilst our forwards strolled back into position.
I suppose the highlight of the game for us was Kris Welham’s chase and tackle on Francis Meli. It was fantastic and even better than his similar chase and tackle of Tom Briscoe at Craven Park the other month.
On a brighter note, we have got 5 games left and we are one point off a playoff place so it is onto Huddersfield this Saturday - and with 8th placed Hull at home to Wigan on Friday night, we could be in a playoff place come Saturday night. The Galpharm hasn't exactly been a happy hunting ground for us in past seasons but who knows. I don't how many supporters we will take to Huddersfield on after yesterday’s performance, and with the game being on Sky, but for those of us who do make the journey let’s hope we get a positive reaction from the players and coaching staff.
RRTR
SALFORD AND SPECULATION
It seems as though there is more speculation surrounding Justin Morgan's future than there is as to whether Cheryl is gonna get back with Ashley!! Despite everything that is going on off the pitch the club are remaining very professional on it. This week the local rag claimed our coach had been for an interview for the Castleford job; well, so some so called source has told them. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't, I don’t suppose we will get to find out – well, not this week anyway.
But as I say, on the pitch we are doing all the right things. Even if yesterday wasn't a very good performance, we won the game and that’s what counts. The boys have done all that has been asked of them over these last few weeks - getting us to within one point of 8th place and we couldn't have asked for anything more. Ok, yesterday was a relatively poor performance and had we been playing a top four side I feel we would have got a good hiding. The fact we were only 8-0 down at half time was nothing short of a minor miracle coupled with some great defence from Jake Webster. Those one-on-one tackles he made in the first half were crucial in how we were still in the game come half time.
Whilst it was far from vintage Rovers the players remained focused, were professional and got the job done in the end. Ben Galea was a constant threat and fully deserved his try. Josh Hodgson's 40-20 lifted the crowd and the players and I have gotta say it was one of the best 40-20 kicks I think I have ever seen. Clint Newton had a real off day yesterday but he showed all his experience in making sure we took the 2 points on offer when we got a penalty right in front of the posts to make the scores 8-all. Rovers had the upper hand and when Matt Cook danced round the Salford defence, the boys were in the lead 14-8, a drop goal by Dobbo all but secured the win before Welham went over as the hooter went - with Dobbo adding the extras a 21-8 win was sealed.
I wonder what Justin thought to the crowd booing his decision to take Matt Cook off immediately after he scored the try that put us in the lead. Whilst it’s easy to be a good coach from the East Stand for 80 minutes I like a lot of people do feel that Matt Cook doesn’t get a fare crack of the whip he is a cracking player who really does deserve more game time.
So its challenge cup quarter finals this weekend and all four games look like being crackers. We head to Saints this Sunday and whilst we will be the under dogs, we go on the back of a 4-game unbeaten run with an almost fully fit squad; Justin sais Blake Green and Scott Wheeldon will both be fit for the game and Liam Watts is back in training. So with around 3000 robins in full voice behind the boys they can do it. In the words of Pedro: "C'mon cheer the boys, Rovers make some noise!"
RRTR
CHARLIE
15/07/2011 - the day the decision was made that we all knew was coming but for many of us we're dreading, Ben 'Charlie' Cockayne's time at Hull Kingston Rovers was at an end – and for me, a sad end. Signed from Doncaster in 2006, he scored 27 tries in 29 appearances and soon became a massive favourite with the Rovers supporters. His performance in the National League Grand Final will live long in the memory as he helped us get back to where we belong, Super League. Then in our first game back in the big time it was Charlie -who else- who scored the winning try in the last seconds of the game to beat Wakefield.
Charlie was a cult figure for us; a very versatile and under-rated player who never gave anything less than 100%, no matter who we played. Whether we were winning or losing, whether he started the game or came off the bench, he never gave anything less than his all for our club and that is what makes this whole episode so sad.
Since Charlie appeared in court back in 2009, opinion of whether he should have stayed at the club was very divided with many feeling he should have been sacked then, but the club stuck by him and so did the majority of the supporters. He rewarded that loyalty by doing what Charlie did best and that was giving his all for Hull Kingston Rovers.
What typified Charlie for me was at Magic Weekend in Edinburgh when we got hammered by Saints. In the second half, when Saints were running our boys ragged, Kyle Eastmond made a break and Charlie came in off his wing and dropped his shoulder into Eastmond, dislodging the ball & leaving Eastmond sat on his backside wondering what had just happened.
I have met Charlie on many occasions at various club events and he has always been polite, always smiling and always happy to pose for photos and give autographs, no matter how many people wanted them.
Do i agree with Charlie being released? No, not one bit ‘cause none of us are perfect, we all make mistakes in life and don't lose our jobs over it. Yes, our players are in a privileged position but they are still human beings at the end of the day!!!!
Reading Charlie’s statement today on the club website put a lump in my throat and I am sure it did many others.
So just to say, Charlie - thanks for the last 5 years it has been a joy, a honour and a privilege to have seen you play for Hull Kingston Rovers.
Good Luck pal
RRTR
3 DOWN, 1 TO GO...
A Ben Galea hat-trick helped the Robins to a 38-10 victory over Crusaders, our third win on the trot, scoring a total of 142 points whilst only conceding 24. So, it’s safe to say the boys are on a roll. The wins may have come against what are considered to be 3 of the league’s weaker sides but you can only beat what is in front of you and, leading up to the Quins away game, our form suggested we were one of the leagues weaker sides too.
The day before the game, Jayne and I travelled to Chester were we stayed for the weekend, and went to Chester races on the Friday night - which was well worth the visit, especially when Jayne had £2.50 e/w on a 22/1 winner to add to the £60 we had already won, so happy days.
Saturday morning arrived and we met up with a few other Robins at the train station, and made the 10 minute train journey to Wrexham. After a short walk into Wrexham centre to the Wetherspoons pub, it wasn't long before we were joined by a couple of coach loads of east hull’s finest, closely followed by Andy Browns mini bus! Yet again the hours leading up to the game flew by with beer flowing, everyone laughing and joking, and bit of a sing song as well. The Highlight for me was the barmaids face when Giggsy ordered a jug of some cocktail. The barmaid put the jug on the bar and politely asked: "How many glasses would you like?" to which Giggs replied: "None just stick a couple of straws in it that will be fine" the look on the barmaid’s face was priceless.
Once in the ground, the game began with Rovers getting off to a great start, taking a 12-0 lead after just 10 minutes, but the flood gates never opened - not in the first half anyway. Somehow, the Crusaders got themselves back into the game and at half time went in only 12-10 up. I would imagine there will have been some stern words from Justin at the interval and Rovers returned for the second half to put in a very professional display, and won comfortably in the end, without conceding any second half points.
Congratulations to Ben Galea on scoring his first ever career hat-trick on his 100th appearance for the Robins! It was great to see Justin get a great reception from the travelling support again as he walked across the front of the stand towards the end of the game.
Salford visit Craven Park on Sunday and a win will keep us breathing down the necks of the teams occupying the lower play off places – and with the Dullers visiting Leeds on Friday night, we could find ourselves one point behind Leeds in 8th place come Sunday night.
RRTR
CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?
Just over a week ago our club was apparently in crisis, the East Hull ship was sinking, the knives were out for Justin (from certain people) and our season was over - then we keep our first clean sheet at Harlequins and record our biggest ever super league win against Wakefield yesterday. And what a team performance it was! The chairman has asked for the players to show they care and on the basis of our last 2 performances, the chairman is getting exactly what he asked for.
I am still bemused as to why there was so much fuss in the wake of the Warrington home game! Since we narrowly lost away to Wakefield back on May 1st our form now reads played 9 (including the 2 cup games) won 6, lost 3 - the 3 losses were away to Wigan and Leeds and at home to Warrington!! Hardly form to get your coach sacked is it?! Maybe everyone’s expectations were too high for this season.
Back to yesterday - well what a performance and whilst on the day Wakefield weren't at their best we certainly was and deserved to win by such a big score. It was a great team performance and what impressed me the most was that we kept going for the full 80 minutes. When, on such a hot day, with the game easily won early in the second half it would have been easy for the players to take their foot off the gas and go through the motions for the rest of the game. However, our backs were outstanding and it was great to see Foxy back in the first team and amongst the tries; his third was a great finish. Colbon and Webster both played really well and Welham, yet again, was outstanding. It was a joy to see him leap through the air like a salmon for his first try :-)
So onto North Wales and Crusaders away next Saturday. I’m looking forward to it and as long as we can match the performances from the last 2 games then hopefully we will be collecting another 2 points!!
On a personnel note, its mine and Jayne's 7th wedding anniversary on Saturday, so feel free to join us for a drink to celebrate before the game.
So to those who are going to Wrexham, see you on there - and don’t forget your passports!!!
Oh, and if any of the player are reading this, make sure Dobbo has his boots on the right feet on next time please lads.
RRTR
AN AWAY WIN AT LAST!
They say a week is a very long time in sport and I reckon the week leading up to the Harlequins game was one of the longest in Justin's time at Craven Park. I have to be honest, I was surprised at just how many people seemed to want Justin sacked - very short memories if you ask me!!!
The day started for us boarding the 08.25am train to London along with quite a few other Robins. Most of the journey down was taken up trying to sort a route out on the tube as engineering works were on 4 of the lines, including the one we wanted, so we had to do a few detours. On arriving at Twickenham Station we made our way to the Cabbage Patch pub and soon the place was pretty full of Rovers fans, as others who had gone on train and Adge's coach and Apollo's all arrived. Lots of discussions about Justin ensued - should he stay or go? Well, we had to talk about something to take our minds off paying £3.90 for a pint of Fosters!!!
We all started to make our way down to The Stoop and were all in place for the boys running out and the game starting. We didn’t take long to let Justin know that we are all still 100% behind by singing his name right at the start of the game. The game was very even for the first 25 minutes and only some fantastic defence by Briscoe and the Jake Webster stopped Quins taking the lead. With almost half an hour of the first half gone Rovers created a good chance, Jake Webster stepped out of the attempted tackle and was over the line; the relief was there for all to see as the try was celebrated in the away end as much as any other try we’ve score this year, and with Colbon going in for his try right on half time, our hopes of our first league win away from Craven Park were high.
We started the second half as we finished the first as Webster grabbing his second. After that there was only gunna be one winner and it was great to see Newton scoring again. With Green and Dobbo scoring tries either side of Newton’s the win was complete.
It was a very good team performance & hard to pick a man of the match Rhys Lovegrove made some great drives especially in the first half & it was great to see Jake back to his best. Seeing Justin come on the pitch & shake every players hand just shows how relieved he was to get the win. It was a great performance off the pitch as well as we sang for the full 80 minutes with Pedro getting everyone singing his now vast range of Rovers songs.
We stayed at the ground for a beer after the game and I managed to grab a quick work with Mike Smith. It was clear that everyone associated with the club that attended were pleased to say the least. It was time to celebrate and we made our way back to Kings Cross to get the 19.48pm train back to Hull. So, after a visit to MacDonald’s so Kai, Connor and Lewis could stuff their faces, I got myself a bag of beer we boarded the train and had one of our more enjoyable journeys home from an away game this season.
Hopefully we can back this win up with a victory against Wakefield on Sunday - and hopefully the East Stand will get behind the boys for the full 80 minutes again!
RRTR!
THE SEASON SO FAR...
With the season now well under way I thought that rather than dwell on the Wigan game it would be better to do a review of our season so far. As for the Wigan game, well, personally, I thought Wigan were there to be beat. They look nothing like the side that ripped us apart in the play offs last season and yet again our mistakes cost us dear.
Unforced errors have been the story of our season so far. I am surprised Justin isn’t totally grey or even bald. It must be so frustrating for him as the coach to work with the players all week preparing for each game, planning set moves, trying to predict how the game will go, then the players cross the white wash and its out of Justin’s hands - just as the ball seems to be with our players at times!!!
The saying is ‘the league doesn't lie’, and in Rovers case being 3rd from bottom tells its own story -3 wins from 10 games isn't good enough- and I am sure the players and coaching staff would be the first to admit this. Apart from Warrington away we have been well beat in the games we have lost. It’s very hard to put your finger on the reason; we have got an exceptional squad, one that Justin has been steadily building since we took our place back in the top flight. Injuries to key players have hammered us, though. Losing Dobbo and Newts has been a massive blow. Also, the loss of form and loss of confidence amongst other players has really hindered our progress this season.
So let’s draw a line under what has gone on so far in this 2011 Super League season and look to the future. What better way to kick start our season than with victory against the old enemy this Friday. Both sides will be looking to this game to give them a boost for the coming months. Rumour has it that Dobbo and Newton could be back, which is a massive boost not just for us supporters but for the club as a whole. If we can beat the west Hull council tenants then with Quins at home and Wakey away before York in the cup, we could find ourselves on a nice little run of wins, hopefully…
We know we are more than capable of beating the Dullers but, and it’s a big but, we have to cut out the silly mistakes. I am sure we will be starting with Good Friday.
So come on boys, let’s have it.
RRTR
CHARLIE, CHARLIE, CHARLIE
As I walked to Craven Park just after midday last Saturday I was daydreaming about a Rovers victory against the Rhinos and a cracking team performance; just over 5 hours later I, along with all the other Robins faithful, were celebrating one. But who would have thought it 15minutes in?
JM was forced to make changes to the 17 due to injuries and in his eyes poor form from some players. It is fair to say there was quite a few raised eyebrows when we entered the game without a recognised goal kicker with JM deciding to drop Craig Hall, but Leeds also had their own problems with injuries, and no win in their last 3 games, plus no matter what we always play well at home against Leeds so there was hope.
We started the game well but with their first meaningful attack Leeds scored, and that was quickly followed with another try in the same corner. Yet again both Leeds tries highlighted our lack of sliding defence which is something we have prided ourselves on in previous seasons. Then as we all started to think ‘oh no, not again’, the boys sprung in to action. A Keith Senior mistake put Rovers in a great position, which resulted in Mick Vella crashing over the line and with kicker for day Scotty Murrell adding the extras, we was back in it at 6-10. The remainder of the first half was a joy to watch. Blake Green pulled all the strings, Matt Cook, Scott Taylor running strong and Charlie returning every Leeds’ kick like his life depended on it. Tries from Welham, Cook and Murrell were just what the boys deserved - and Murrell’s was a beauty. Fisher made a quick dash from dummy half and a short pass putt Charlie through. His pass sent Scotty racing to the line -well racing to the line maybe a bit exaggerated- ‘cause at one point he seemed to stop but he crossed the white wash, and having converted all four tries we went in 24-10 up.
The second half wasn't that old when Latus made a great break putting us in a great position and for maybe the first time this season we quickly moved the ball from one side of the pitch to the other, creating space for Liam Colborn to score. Leeds were never going to give up and were back on the score board with a Ryan Hall try but Rovers hit back with another quality move that resulted in Sam Latus deservedly scoring. Leeds scored again to get within 10 points of Rovers but a great drive and off load by Scott Taylor, picked up by Blake Green; his pass to Ben Galea, in full flight, saw the Rovers’ number 13 side step his way over the line and with Scotty kicking the 2 extra points the game was all but over at 38-22. But, at the very end the impressive Watkins made a break, chased his own kick to score under the posts and with an easy conversion the score finished 38-28.
This was easily our best performance of the season. Charlie got the sponsors man of the match and Ben Galea got Sky Sports but there were many contenders. The return of Mick Vella was crucial, Blake Green was class and so was Scotty.
In Harry Poole after the game Justin gave his interview and said thanks had to go to all the players, even those who weren't involved in the game, which was a nice touch. Then it was Charlie’s turn on the stage. Neil Rudd called his name and where was Charlie? Nowhere near the stage! He was having his photo taken with supporters and that is why he will always be a Rovers legend. He is a supporter who would run through a brick wall for our club and he knows just what the club means to us.
I hope JM lets the 17 that beat Leeds take to the field against Wigan this Friday (injuries permitting) although I wouldn't be surprised to see Craig Hall return.
On another note is anyone else getting a bit twitchy at the lack of information regarding the arrival of Willie Mason's Tongan passport? Cause I am!!!!
Until next time
RRTR
"We're miles Away"
"We're miles away" was Justin's honest answer in reply to being asked how close we are to where he wants us to be after round 6 of super league 2011, and even the most die hard robin has to agree. Yet again, giving away stupid penalties, piggy backing the opposition down the pitch, dropping the ball, falling off tackles and poor decision making. When the two teams lined for the minutes silence before the game I was surprised at just how much bigger our boys where compared to the Salford side yet barring a 10-15 minute spell in the middle of the game, Salford totally bossed the game.
Our forwards just weren't at the races and not for the first time this season our backs were very exposed in defence. Blake Green and Craig Hall played well again, and so did Scott Murrell, but those 3 apart my personal opinion of the team’s performance was average at best. Don't get me wrong, Salford fully deserved their victory; they did the simple things and did them very well.
The afternoon had started well with everyone meeting up in Tigers Lair for a few pre-journey drinks and Evo and Pedro celebrated backing the 2nd & 3rd in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (Ev: we won 50p each!). We boarded the coach and were on our way. It was a decent journey for a Friday night game and just after 6pm, we arrived in Salford and headed to the Michelin 5-star pub near the ground!!!
For anyone who doesn't know, that is a tongue in cheek remark, as the pub in question has to have been to pub that The Jockey in Shameless is based on!!
Another good away turn out by the Robins faithful, stood in the away end and in good voice but then the game started and it's best forgotten about.
After the game I got lost, again!! For some reason I ended up at the opposite end of the ground to were our coach was. Our coach had parked near the pub and I went the opposite way so it was on the phone to Pete who guided me back and met me half way - cheers for that pal.
On the journey home, we talked about fan’s reactions after a performance like the one the team had just put in because there was some booing at the final hooter. Now, I don't agree with booing but everyone who puts there hand in their pocket and goes to the games has a right to voice their opinion in whichever way they want. I can honestly say I have only ever booed the team once and that was at last season’s Magic Weekend game - that day, as far as I am concerned, they deserved to be booed (Ben Cockayne apart). When the hooter went at the end of the Salford game I just walked out; I wasn't gonna boo them but I certainly wasn't gonna applaud them.
The games we have coming up are far from easy. I, like most Rovers supporters, would have expected us to have had at least 8 points on the board by now, so lets just hope we can rise the challenges that these next few weeks are gonna throw at us.
No review from me for next week as I am with England in Wales.
So until the next time,
RRTR
So the Willie, won’t he saga is over
On September 4th 2010 the club announced the signing of Willie Mason for the 2011 season and finally, 7 months later, after god knows how much red tape was cut through, the big man made his debut. But even after he arrived on English soil last Monday there was one last twist - Michael Dobson was to be de-registered to make way on the overseas quota so Mason could make his debut.
Now, I am sure its all a lot more simple than it seems and I fully expect to see Dobbo playing for Rovers again once fit but it does come across as a bit of a farce and I am sure we would criticising if another club had done the same.
So Crusaders at home was to be Mason's debut; not the most difficult of starts for a man who is a superstar of the game but the most important thing was that the lads got back to winning ways. Inside 20 minutes, we were 18-0 up. Mason was heavily involved in 2 of the tries and his run and one handed off-load to Watts for Rovers third try was worth the entrance fee alone.
But, yet again the players concentration seemed to waver with a lot of dropped ball and at times we found ourselves under pressure against what is one of Super League’s weakest sides. Luckily, during this period Crusaders only scored once ‘cause they themselves made plenty of mistakes with ball in hand. We finished the half strong as Craig Hall unselfishly sent Welham in to give the boys 24-6 half time lead; tries from Webster and Green put the result beyond doubt and only 3 tries in 5 minutes from the Crusaders gave the score some respectability on their part.
Rovers had the final word with Welham grabbing his second of the game to give Rovers a deserved 40-22 victory.
Predictably Mason was given the man of the match award and I suppose for someone who hasn’t played for 6 months, it was deserved, although Craig Hall had a blinder and is starting to look the part. Watts and Netherton also having good games.
Onto Salford this Friday and it is another winnable game but the players have to cut out these silly mistakes and concentrate for the full 80 minutes.
On another note, I went to watch John Bishop last Wednesday at Hull City Hall and even he mentioned Willie Mason in his show. He also mentioned a chance meeting he had with some Rovers fans on a train last year when he was travelling to Hull to perform at the Hull Truck too.
One last thing congratulations to Laura on the arrival of beautiful Daisy May xx
RRTR
Last Gasp Wire
After a week of walking around with huge smiles on our faces after beating the old enemy in Cardiff, it came to Warrington away.
For me, apart from maybe Wigan away, this was the hardest possible start to our season.
So with Tony choosing to spend the day running around a field shooting paint at people, it was just Connor (wearing a full Rovers kit) amd me boarding the 9 o'clock Hull to Manchester train. The journey was pretty average until 3 woman got on at Selby and sat with us. One of them ending up borrowing a ukulele off some unsuspecting student who got on at Leeds and proceeded to play a couple of renditions of "my ding a ling" & "when I’m cleaning windows" to the delight of the full carriage.
As we stood on the platform waiting for our connection to Warrington we were approached by a policeman who was looking at Connors Rovers shirt. Anyway, it turned out he was a big rugby league fan who used go to Oldham in the 80's when they played at the old Watersheddings. He said he hated coming to Hull in the 80s; both clubs, he said; the only thing he could compare it to was going to Millwall for football!!! I said: ‘we weren’t that bad, were we?’. Our train pulled in and around 300 Notts County fans got off, heading for their FA Cup tie with Man City. We boarded and from there completed the short journey to Warrington.
On arrival, we went into the Railway club and before being joined by some fellow Robins we chatted with some Warrington fans about the coming season and our expectations. Over a few beers myself, Des & Liam spoke about winning this season’s Grand Final and how we'd like to see Adge run a trip next season’s World Club Challenge in Oz!!! And, more to the point, how we would pay for it?
Anyway, on the pitch, Justin’s plans were dealt a blow in the warm up with Ben Fisher pulling his hamstring and having to be replaced by Jason Netherton. Well once again, we were quickly behind with Warrington running in two tries but backed by another great travelling support the Robins roared back and with tries from Newton (2) and Green, we found ourselves 16-10 up with halftime approaching. But, with an error from a scrum that was our head and feed, Warrington scored right on halftime to make it 16-14.
Within 5 minutes of the restart we scored what will probably be one of our best tries of the season; a flowing move finished off by Briscoe and converted by Dobson - we were 22-14 up but that was as good as it got. The boys found themselves under unbelievable pressure, a lot of it brought on by themselves, through dropping the ball and it is amazing they held out for as long as they did.
When Warrington scored the decisive try 3 minutes from the end it was as though we all expected it. For me, we left both our wings exposed, especially Foxy & Jake, and whilst it was a gallant effort in defence by the boys against a team that will be in the top four come September, if we wanna be in with them we will have to respect possession of the ball a lot more.
So it was back to the Railway Club for a quick pint before we boarded our train to Manchester. The Wire fans we spoke to thought they had got out of jail with the late try so we left them to celebrate as we headed home. I have to say going to Warrington now is a lot different than it was in the 80's, thankfully.
On the bright side, we look a far stronger side physically & matched Warrington in the tackle. With Lovegrove and Mason still to come into the squad, along with Craig Hall, things are looking bright.
RRTR
Millennium Magic Article
So the 2011 super league season was to start with the Magic weekend, at least the RFL had the sense to take it back to Cardiff!!
With bleary eyes we boarded Adge's coach for our weekend away. All the usual characters are on board & we weren’t far out of East Hull before the laughter started. After a few hours of travelling, and a slight detour due to the motorway being shut, we pulled in at the services - and who was sat in there? James Tool! Well the speed at which he left the services when he saw all us Robins walk in; Agar needn't have bothered signing Will Sharp, he could have used Mr Tool on the wing. By, that clown can move!!
We carried onto Cardiff and the remaining few hours of journey soon passed after Giggsy announced she only thought we was staying for one night, and hadn't brought enough knickers for 2 nights!!! Class.
Our driver skilfully drove up to the front of our hotel with the help of Scotty the bollard mover, and we went straight into the Jazz bar a few beers, checked into hotel and then off into Cardiff. A few of us went into the ground for the Wigan/Saints game, then into the Walkabout where Carol did her 1950's cha cha dance to any song that came on :-)
Game day arrived and we all met in the Prince of Wales; it wasn’t long before the pub was bouncing. Whatever we feel about our gypsy neighbours, put us both in the same pub and the atmosphere is electric. After lots of singing, and Cockney’s amazing beer snake, off we went to the game.
The game started and with Hull starting the game by scoring a point a minute for the first 14 minutes, there can’t have been any Rovers fan who weren’t worried – and to be fare to Hull they started like a house on fire, starving Rovers of the ball. But then, with Scotty wind milling into Fitzgibbon, and the introduction of Charlie, who's first drive in was immense, Rovers started to find some rhythm, got their hands on the ball and from that point the result was never really in doubt.
It was a brilliant team performance with Ben Galea outstanding and Blake Green really does look the business, but everyone played their part. The player’s reaction at end of the game said everything about how much they love wearing our club’s shirt and how much they appreciate our support.
On behalf of Tony Bennett and me, we would like to thank Mr Yeaman for crashing over for that last try as it won us £110 - although it was funny watching Tony explain to the Rovers’ fans around him just why he actually jumped up and celebrated the try!!!
So another successful Magic Weekend drew to a close. Whatever people think about the concept 4 out 5 wins for us is good going.
If our Magic Weekend performance is anything to go by then it’s gonna be a season to remember; it won’t be too bad on the pitch as well!!!
Onto Warrington then, RRTR...