It was great to see Kevvie get his bellyache on during the pre-game speech. Too right give them hell, this is our turf and make sure the arrogant pricks like Penriff know they've been in a scrap. Some of the marks on the Penriff boys faces suggested they got fairly towelled up in the close contact work. Croft was quite inspirational with some of the hits he put on Kikau and TPJ was always there to lend a hand. Petro will give him a quiet pat on the back and tell him 'well done son, now the real work begins'. Because having shook the bad boy aggressor tag he now needs to follow this inspirational action man display up next week. Lodge was exceptional but needs to watch his ball security at all times. Capewell obviously done his homework and played directly at the ball.
Turps was another who seemed to thrive in the thick of it and it seemed him and Haas were driving each other on to get stuck into them.We finally got our bench right and if anything we could continue to swap Flegs and Kennedy throughout the year as Flegs still needs time to develop.
The ref was fairly consistent. that is, he seemed to stuff up calls all night. Why the bunker said nothing about Staines backing into Oates with no 'eyes' for the ball' was inexcusable, as was the blatant high shot on Deardon by Momirovski. That's two consecutive weeks Penrith players have whacked an opposition player and escaped untouched.
Oates and to a lesser degree Isaako's cover dfence saved us a few times. I was so used to seeing plays where the winger (Staines in this instance) runs to the line and then steps back inside to leave us cold. Last night Oates and Isaako went tactical nuclear on Staines and absolutely clobbered him before he had any chance of stepping. One of my favorite plays of the night.
Finally, if the ref had not been so hasty to blow the whistle when Penrith coughed the ball up under the sticks Wee Tommy was first to the ball and would've scored under the black dot. 18-12 and us with our tails up I think Penrith would have folded.
To all our members who whinged last week saying they'd seen no improvement since Kevvie took over last night's game must surely shut them up and get them onboard. It's a long hard road we need to travel and the hand Kevvie has been dealt is god awful putrid, but I have faith in him and last night proves beyond a doubt he can coach. Penrith were the picture of humility when the final hooter went. They know they were extremely lucky to get away with that one.
Well done boys - I'm so gald I decided to come out of my room for the second half. Now let's go one better and get some payback with Parra for the last few hidings they've gave us.