Yorkshire Carnegie
Across the universe
Strong influence
By WW
October 4 2016
I am happy to report that, as I write this preview, Yorkshire Carnegie remains unbeaten in 5 outings in the Championship so far this season. Only one other club can boast such a record. That is London Irish which tops the division by 1 point from our fine upstanding boys.
Last Saturday the lads were given a stern examination by our South Yorkshire rivals. Despite turning round a point behind they were able to up their game and run out clear winners. 4 second half tries, shared between Rob O'Donnell and the backs ensured that 5 points came back up the M1 in the team bus.
This week the squad make the long trip to Cornwall to play Cornish Pirates. The Pirates are enjoying some success this season and were unbeaten until last weekend. There has also been news this week that the stadium for Cornwall has moved a step closer. This may well spur the locals on as they will want to ensure that the team's performances are befitting of a new ground. The Pirates have undergone a few seasons of change but appear to be developing a decent team this time out. Remember that last season at this time they were bottom of the table. We can expect another tough test at the Mennaye on Sunday.
As our run of wins extends it is not surprising that aspects of our play that, in the past, have frustrated the fans have improved. Despite our defence conceding 3 tries at Clifton Lane only one was down to an unforced error. The fact that it came from newcomer Alex Davies is excusable as he has been instrumental in all the victories so far. His quick and precise service has enabled Joe Ford to manage open play. Our game management had been poor for a couple of seasons.
Stevie McColl has enjoyed good form since his return from Gloucester adding pace and power to our backline. After the game on Saturday he was fulsome in his praise for the Carnegie forwards. Certainly the lineout has started to function and the driving maul is proving very effective. I remember talking to the then incoming forwards coach, Steve Boden, after the game at Jersey last season. He said that the difference between an effective pack and an underperforming one was small and that the transformation is made by tweeking aspects of performance where it is needed. It is possible that Steve's influence is starting to filter through into the pack's performances. This can only be a good thing. A bonus for the forwards is the establishment of Lewis Boyce in the front row. He has seized his opportunity after being dogged by injury last season.
Bryan Redpath is a happy man. His team selection now means leaving out guys who deserve to be playing. The spirit in the squad is high. Anyone who is left out knows they have to fight to regain their place. I expect that there will be a few changes in Sunday's lineup. However I am sure that the continuity will still be evident. Why change a winning team when you don't have to?
Expect another tough game against the Pirates. I am confident that our current momentum will be maintained and I think we will win by 10 points.
C'mon Tykes
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05/10/2016 10:56
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:10:21:17:52:12 by Wildwillie .
To finish this opening burst of 6 Championship games with 6 wins would be a great effort from the team, particularly as 4 of them will have been away from home.
A good test down in Cornwall, I also fancy us to win but think it will be closer than 10.
So looking at your title, I'm thinking "pools of sorrow, waves of joy....",does that mean that this year's title theme is Beatles Songs?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:10:05:21:23:53 by almostatyke.
