$alem v Ponte - I imagine this will be nothing but a scrap. $alem to win by TKO +7
M&N v Donny - Usual. M&N +77
Moortown v Wetherby - Mid table tussle that could go either way. As with most games like this, i imagine home advantage will count for just enough. Moortown -7
Morley v Scabs - Will Morley's money men keep a fine run of form going? No. Scabs +7
Crocs v Selby - Big rumours of Crocs having some key players back from absence/injury. Selby's backs I imagine will also struggle on the postage stamp that is Broomfield. Crocs +7
Pock v Brods - Pock's crumble to continue in spectacular fashion. Brods +7
The final 8!!
Time for teams to fight for the 4 play off spots with every point counting now until the end of the season.
Its all to play for if you look at the league and see who has to play who still.
$alem v Ponte - These 2 are very similar in terms of stats in the table and only 2 points separates them and i feel this one is down to Home Advantage. Salem No BP Win.
M&N v Donny - M&N to keep Donny on 0 Wins with a comfortable score line. M&N BP Win.
Moortown v Wetherby - Battle of mid table 3 points separates Town and Wetherby and Wetherby the only team in 4 weeks to concede points to Donny could be the deciding factor with the home advantage to Town. Town BP Win.
Morley v Scabs - Morley with a lucky win vs Wetherby last week with a last min penalty unfortunately for them this will not be the case this week, Scabs will continue their run to Regional 1. Scabs BP Win.
Crocs v Selby - I honestly think Selby could struggle at the most hostile ground in our league this week, Some have to have thick skin to play at Crocs and if the rumors of returning players are true it could be a close game. Crocs BP Win -7.
Pock v Brods - Pock are not the team that started this season and it is crazy to see but lets see if they can perform at home when it gets to the business end of the season, Close game between 2nd & 3rd and again 2 points spilts them in the league. I'm going to go for a Draw or either team -5 no BP.
Bradford Salem vs Pontefract - Bradford are the stronger of the two sides and I think will win relatively comfortably here - I would expect by +7 and a bonus point win.
Malton and Norton vs Doomedcaster Phoenix - I hope much like their name that they rise like a phoenix and come back into the games and are competitive again. Kudos to them for sticking at it and they'll get a win before season end. Malton +7.
Moortown vs Wetherby - A raucous crowd with a travelling team from just North of Leeds could lead to a derby day style game, Moortown here by +7.
Morley vs Scarborough - one of two contenders for MOTD and to get back in Jim's good books I'll give it this fixture. Two titans of the league, with the Chequebook Crusaders coming up against the Overseas Ospreys. Morley on home turf should have too much here and I have them to win -7. Morley -7.
Old Crossleyans vs Selby - A very tricky fixture for Selby this on what I am told is a small pitch which won't suit them. I think they'll have enough but any more rain and this becomes a shit fight. Selby -7.
Pocklington vs Old Brodleians - The other contender for MOTD. Two teams that you could argue are punching above their weight. Pocklington are coming off the back of a tough loss so will be looking to make things right. Old Brodleians have been beaten by these before and it will be an old school battle. Brodleians -2.
Crocs vs Selby - Selby to edge it.
Salem vs Ponte - Comfy Salem victory.
Pock vs Brods - Pock to bounce back and get a narrow win.
Morley vs Scarbados - Scabs to win a close one but will be decided on who has the official on side I feel
Moortown vs Wetherby - Town by a good few.
Malton vs Donny - as.usual a forgone concluaion and M&N to win with BP... question is how many
We're at the business end of the season now, who's going to come out on top?
Some hard ones to call this week.
Salem vs Ponte - Reports suggest Salem are hit and miss, one week excellent then the next game not so, I think they'll be on song tomorrow and beat Ponte.
M&N vs Donny P - Can only see a big win for the home side, chapeau to the Donny lads for the effort they put in.
Moortown vs Wetherby - Wetherby to win a close game
Morley vs Scarborough - GOTD, Scarborough to win a high scoring game and edge further towards the league title.
Crocs vs Selby - If Selby play like they did in the first half last week, then Croc's will have a sniff of grinding out a result, if the second half Selby turn up, then they'll win comfortably. I'll go for somewhere in the middle and say Selby by two scores.
Pock v Brods - I think the lads will be right up for this and will want to put last weeks disappointment behind them, Brods to push us close, but Pock to win a physical encounter.
Salem vs Ponte - Two fairly matched teams. Home advantage - Salem W
M&N vs Doncaster - Routine win, big crowd who will leave happy. BP M&N W
Moortown vs Wetherby - If Wetherby play like they did in the 2nd half vs Morley they will have enough to win. Moortown on a good run tho. Wetherby W
Morley v Scarborough - Tight game, Scarbs are the better team but in this league who knows. Morley W in a close one.
Crocs V Selby - Crocs take the W here.
Pock vs Brods - Tight game, in my humble opinion Brods are the better team. Brods W
$alem vs Ponte - As mentioned before this will likely be a scrap of a game, $alem at home to see it through. $alem +7
M&N vs Doncaster - You have to admire Donny's perseverance but that illusive first win won't be coming this week. M&N by a lot
Moortown vs Wetherby - Town seem to have improved as the season have gone on and i fancy them to make a late charge towards the top play off spots. Wetherby seem to have a different team every week - Is this through injuries? I think town will pull through in front of the Far Moss faithful. Town -7
Morley v Scarborough - Match of the Week for me. If Morley are wating automatic promotion, this is a must win for them. It will be a mudbath down at Scatcherd Lane and this will suit the Morley pack. Morley -7
Crocs V Selby - The roaring crocs crowd could get under the skin of the Selby players but i think they may have too much class on the day and they'll be full of confidence after last weeks win. Selby +7
Pock vs Brods - Bound to be a tight game, Will Brods fall into their classic post christmas crumble or will Pock's slightly disappointing run of form continue. I'm going to go Pock at home and keep the pressure on at the top. Pock -7
Salem vs Ponte - Salem should have enough for a bonus point win at home
M&N vs Doncaster - Big home win for Malton
Moortown vs Wetherby - I'm going for a home win again.
Morley v Scarborough - Sadly the "blank week" gods haven't shined on Scarborough, we always knew several were unavailable and now last minute injury changes. Even with a full strength side this would always be Morleys to lose at home. I've said several times the top 4 should always win at home.
Crocs V Selby - Back down to earth with a bump for Selby - Crocs probably with a bonus point.
Pock vs Brods - Agree this will be tight but I think Pock will have too much and should win at home.
For anyone interested in the ins and outs of promotion / relegation and the playoffs situation, have a look Rugbys Roots on Instagram
Some injuries, they've been missing their pack leader (hooker) since the 2nd game of the season.
However key players have moved down south, gone travelling, working or have poor availability. If you take out 3/4 players, the average age of the team is 18-21.. Always going to be temptation to do other things on Saturdays.
Been a perfect storm, it's all happened at once. Still have a good squad, but a lot of people playing out of position.
Quote from: Forty Twenty on Jan 23, 2026, 05:14 PM$alem vs Ponte - As mentioned before this will likely be a scrap of a game, $alem at home to see it through. $alem +7
M&N vs Doncaster - You have to admire Donny's perseverance but that illusive first win won't be coming this week. M&N by a lot
Moortown vs Wetherby - Town seem to have improved as the season have gone on and i fancy them to make a late charge towards the top play off spots. Wetherby seem to have a different team every week - Is this through injuries? I think town will pull through in front of the Far Moss faithful. Town -7
Morley v Scarborough - Match of the Week for me. If Morley are wating automatic promotion, this is a must win for them. It will be a mudbath down at Scatcherd Lane and this will suit the Morley pack. Morley -7
Crocs V Selby - The roaring crocs crowd could get under the skin of the Selby players but i think they may have too much class on the day and they'll be full of confidence after last weeks win. Selby +7
Pock vs Brods - Bound to be a tight game, Will Brods fall into their classic post christmas crumble or will Pock's slightly disappointing run of form continue. I'm going to go Pock at home and keep the pressure on at the top. Pock -7
Crocs vs Selby - Crocs have developed a nasty habit of losing within a score, I can't see this changing with Selby coming away with a victory in a tight game
$alem vs Ponte - Ponte have chucked in a few good performances in and amongst a disappointing season, but think the Sea Eagles have the fire power to win this one at home
Pock vs Brods - proper battle this, Brods passed last week's meat swinging comp and Pock were well beaten. Pock won the reverse fixture and are good at home, but something is telling me this will be a low scoring draw
Morley vs Scarbados - undoubtedly the MOTD. Morley are a tough side to beat, especially at home. Scabs win this and it's one hand on the title, lose and they are dragged back into a 4 horse race. I'm going Morley by 8
Moortown vs Wetherby - the balti house men are growing in confidence and are good at home, regulation 10 point home win
Malton vs Donny - Doncaster are reminiscent of Hudds YM and B&B, a rapid demise when the well runs dry. Unsurprisingly Malton will put them to the sword in a comfortable win
Salem vs Ponte - Salem to get the home win.
M&N vs Doncaster - Anouther home win for M&N
Moortown vs Wetherby - Gutted to be missing the game but as always backing our lads, wetherby win.
Morley v Scarborough - Going for Morley at home to keep that battle at the top end of table tight.
Crocs V Selby - Reckon Selbies strengh in depth will start to pay dividends for them in the back third of the league think they will be a tough team to put away for the rest of the season going for a selby win.
Pock vs Brods - Think Pock will get back to winning ways at home
53 - 14 win for Pock
Crocs 21-20 Selby
MOTD without a doubt. Turns out Selby couldn't handle the raucous atmosphere when it came down to it. Lots of dropped balls in a tight game from the back 3. Last play penalty to win 🥶
Big win for Scarborough away at Morley.
14-36
Quote from: backrowbandit on Jan 24, 2026, 04:22 PMBig win for Scarborough away at Morley.
14-36
Never in a million years did I see that coming......... I had Scarborough to win but not by that much
Everyone from Scarborough is delighted with the win today. It's not an easy place to get a result but the manner in which is was achieved was excellent.
I think it would be fair to say none of the (very large) contingent of away supporters were expecting such a compelling performance - so well done boys!
It was a good hard game played in excellent spirits. Morley played their part and the scores were close at halftime but Scarborough pulled away in the 2nd half.
Big win for Pock. Whilst there is still a long way to go, it's looking more like a 2 horse race but that can quickly change!!!
[I have a few simple suggestions for Morley to easily improve their match day experience/offering but I'll address that privately. (Don't want to offend a big club 😉😃)]
Quote from: backrowbandit on Jan 24, 2026, 06:22 PMEveryone from Scarborough is delighted with the win today. It's not an easy place to get a result but the manner in which is was achieved was excellent.
I think it would be fair to say none of the (very large) contingent of away supporters were expecting such a compelling performance - so well done boys!
It was a good hard game played in excellent spirits. Morley played their part and the scores were close at halftime but Scarborough pulled away in the 2nd half.
Big win for Pock. Whilst there is still a long way to go, it's looking more like a 2 horse race but that can quickly change!!!
[I have a few simple suggestions for Morley to easily improve their match day experience/offering but I'll address that privately. (Don't want to offend a big club 😉😃)]
They are missing a glitter ball and a viewing balcony!
Quote from: carlthewlisjohns on Jan 24, 2026, 07:24 PMQuote from: backrowbandit on Jan 24, 2026, 06:22 PMEveryone from Scarborough is delighted with the win today. It's not an easy place to get a result but the manner in which is was achieved was excellent.
I think it would be fair to say none of the (very large) contingent of away supporters were expecting such a compelling performance - so well done boys!
It was a good hard game played in excellent spirits. Morley played their part and the scores were close at halftime but Scarborough pulled away in the 2nd half.
Big win for Pock. Whilst there is still a long way to go, it's looking more like a 2 horse race but that can quickly change!!!
[I have a few simple suggestions for Morley to easily improve their match day experience/offering but I'll address that privately. (Don't want to offend a big club 😉😃)]
They are missing a glitter ball and a viewing balcony!
Plus the lovely gentlemen on said balcony!
Fair play to Scarborough, Morley were outplayed for the second time this season. It's evident that they are further ahead in their development than most clubs and have a very good core group of players who play for the badge...
Nevertheless, Morley should be proud of how far they have come over the last couple of seasons. It's definitely a marked improvement on the previous few years and with a young squad they still have the time to build and achieve their goals.
Losing 5 games and only outplayed twice is some good going
Quote from: oldtimerugby on Jan 24, 2026, 08:05 PMFair play to Scarborough, Morley were outplayed for the second time this season. It's evident that they are further ahead in their development than most clubs and have a very good core group of players who play for the badge...
Nevertheless, Morley should be proud of how far they have come over the last couple of seasons. It's definitely a marked improvement on the previous few years and with a young squad they still have the time to build and achieve their goals.
Quote from: selall on Jan 24, 2026, 08:24 PMLosing 5 games and only outplayed twice is some good going
Quote from: oldtimerugby on Jan 24, 2026, 08:05 PMFair play to Scarborough, Morley were outplayed for the second time this season. It's evident that they are further ahead in their development than most clubs and have a very good core group of players who play for the badge...
Nevertheless, Morley should be proud of how far they have come over the last couple of seasons. It's definitely a marked improvement on the previous few years and with a young squad they still have the time to build and achieve their goals.
Quote from: selall on Jan 24, 2026, 08:24 PMLosing 5 games and only outplayed twice is some good going
Quote from: oldtimerugby on Jan 24, 2026, 08:05 PMFair play to Scarborough, Morley were outplayed for the second time this season. It's evident that they are further ahead in their development than most clubs and have a very good core group of players who play for the badge...
Nevertheless, Morley should be proud of how far they have come over the last couple of seasons. It's definitely a marked improvement on the previous few years and with a young squad they still have the time to build and achieve their goals.
Funnily enough you only play the same team in the league twice a season...home and away to avoid any further confusion.
Lucky win for pock today
Quote from: oldtimerugby on Jan 24, 2026, 08:33 PMQuote from: selall on Jan 24, 2026, 08:24 PMLosing 5 games and only outplayed twice is some good going
Quote from: oldtimerugby on Jan 24, 2026, 08:05 PMFair play to Scarborough, Morley were outplayed for the second time this season. It's evident that they are further ahead in their development than most clubs and have a very good core group of players who play for the badge...
Nevertheless, Morley should be proud of how far they have come over the last couple of seasons. It's definitely a marked improvement on the previous few years and with a young squad they still have the time to build and achieve their goals.
Quote from: selall on Jan 24, 2026, 08:24 PMLosing 5 games and only outplayed twice is some good going
Quote from: oldtimerugby on Jan 24, 2026, 08:05 PMFair play to Scarborough, Morley were outplayed for the second time this season. It's evident that they are further ahead in their development than most clubs and have a very good core group of players who play for the badge...
Nevertheless, Morley should be proud of how far they have come over the last couple of seasons. It's definitely a marked improvement on the previous few years and with a young squad they still have the time to build and achieve their goals.
Funnily enough you only play the same team in the league twice a season...home and away to avoid any further confusion.
I knew what you meant....
Watched Morley v Scarborough yesterday which a very good game, Scarborough ran out deserved winners with dare I say a thoroughly professional performance.
However, I think that both teams will take something from the game.
Scarborough were excellent throughout game and across the pitch, there wasn't one stand out performer they all did their respective jobs very well.
Without getting too technical what really impressed me was their economy of effort, they were unhurried and confident in their ability to stick to their game plan, even when they went behind.
This meant that as the game progressed towards its end Scarborough were able to add a little polish to the scoreline.
Although a tough day for Morley I was impressed by the way they stuck to the task and how the forwards had parity in most areas of the game.
What I was also heartened by was the depth of the squad with, the injuries and unavailability's (as all clubs have) it was good to see a very competitive team take the field.
Also, as 'oldtimer' has already said the team is not yet the finished article 9/10 of the team are 25 years old or below and will have learnt a great deal from today.
It does seem as if Scarborough are champions-elect, however I think Morley are in a strong position to make the play offs very interesting.
A fair assesment....