Passing our French exam was difficult

GOING into the Lézignan game we were without four of our front-line players, but the boys that came in did a fantastic job for us. It was a true test of the depth of our squad and we passed it with flying colours.

At the same time, what some won't have realised is that almost everyone who was fit played. Aside from the injuries and Lee Greenwood, who made way to give Lucas a game, we had every fit and ready player out there including Anthony Bingham, who was our 18th man.

Even then, we had a slight scare with Andy Ballard in the warm-up. He had a slight strain, but our physio Rachael Johnson did really well working with him to get him onto the field to start the game.

Lucas scored a hat-trick and put his hand up for us, as did Luke Menzies who went well going forward.

It was a concern for me before the game that the French side may be too powerful for us, with us having our bigger players out as well as men like Danny Halliwell and Tommy Goulden.

We handled most things well, though we did struggle a little with their very big pack on our own try line.

They were a team who throw everything at you and it was a very fast game, but that is something that we feel suits us too.

In fact, Thomas Coyle said in the after-match presentations that Lézignan were the best attacking side he has ever played against.

Thomas played very well. We have worked with him on his decision making, but again, he can't have anywhere near as much impact without the backs moving as well as they are to create the gaps.

He is playing with real confidence at the moment, as is his brother James, who made tries for Lucas and Marcus with good passes.

As for this week's preparations, things will change quite a lot as a result of the Rochdale game being on a Friday.

We are limited for our Thursday session as we can't do too much with a game the next day, so we effectively miss one-and-a-half sessions. Needless to say, we will be working on our defence.

One point I would make is that some people in the crowd weren't aware that when we were putting out kicks out of play behind their line it was a deliberate tactic rather than the kicks being too strong.

The idea behind it was to take their big forwards back downfield to their own 20-metre line where they couldn't be as effective.

GOT any questions to put to Tony? Simply email the new address below:

tonybenson@oldham-chronicle.co.uk