Yorkshire Rugby

Morley v Wetherby - I said it would be close.. Morley 17-0 up at half time, Weth came back to lead 20-19. Settled by a silly penalty with the last kick of the game.

6/7 results for me, Pock complacency kicked in? Scarborough's to lose now I'd say, they are for sure the most rounded team I've seen this season.

Are Morley having an injury crisis; their tubby flanker playing on the wing was a bold selection.

Guest at Pontefract. Pontefract had high hopes before the game with a number of key players back.

As score suggests results could have gone either way and maybe the red card in the second half for a Ponte player for stamping was the decider, but Ponte could have won the game with the last kick of the game.

M&N not the biggest side or the most skilled but they do work very hard as a team.

IMO both teams lack game management skills in that when the get a lead they don't play percentage rugby.

Quote from: The Lurker on Jan 18, 2026, 08:22 AMAre Morley having an injury crisis; their tubby flanker playing on the wing was a bold selection.

Interesting observation, although the 'Tubby Flanker' referenced would know doubt have issue with the sobriquet.

I only watched the Veo so am no doubt missing context, however the observation bears further scrutiny. The Flanker in question was called into action for 10 minutes due to a deserved Yellow Card for Morley's 10, and to give him his due the Tubby Flanker played scrum half when he was about 9 years old, but his brother is a scrum half.

Seriously though it did appear that Wetherby (in this case, but I could quote other clubs) had such a limited array of options that they had decided as a 'game plan' to target certain players no doubt to illicit an advantage. The score went from 0 v 20 to 26 v 20 whilst said player was removed, so it bore fruit.

Now within the laws of the game I understand, and I am sure all clubs have deployed it as a tac tic upon occasion. However in this instance I am not sure this was the case. The injury and subsequent withdrawal from the game was due to deliberate foul play missed by the referee (a late tackle, with no arms targeting the upper torso).

I'm open to observations/suggestions as always. Nevertheless, recourse to 'I remember when...', 'In the good old days...' 'The game has gone soft...' et al completely misses the point.

Do we want to take the game forward and produce a 'product' that people want to watch or do we want to regress into the miasma that Rugby League finds itself in.

Do we want to develop or do we want to wither on the vine?

Jim, sorry to say. This is a terrible take.

No player was targeted, he was tackled.. which is what tends to happen in a contact sport... I also noticed that he did return to the pitch after being brutally targeted (so you say).

I would also question the reliance you have on said player if thats the main reason the home side got back into it?

The game was played in good spirits, which you snatched at the death with a questionable penalty.

Don't try put a dampener on a well contested fixture.



 

Quote from: Jim on Jan 18, 2026, 05:42 PM

Quote from: The Lurker on Jan 18, 2026, 08:22 AMAre Morley having an injury crisis; their tubby flanker playing on the wing was a bold selection.

Interesting observation, although the 'Tubby Flanker' referenced would know doubt have issue with the sobriquet.

I only watched the Veo so am no doubt missing context, however the observation bears further scrutiny. The Flanker in question was called into action for 10 minutes due to a deserved Yellow Card for Morley's 10, and to give him his due the Tubby Flanker played scrum half when he was about 9 years old, but his brother is a scrum half.

Seriously though it did appear that Wetherby (in this case, but I could quote other clubs) had such a limited array of options that they had decided as a 'game plan' to target certain players no doubt to illicit an advantage. The score went from 0 v 20 to 26 v 20 whilst said player was removed, so it bore fruit.

Now within the laws of the game I understand, and I am sure all clubs have deployed it as a tac tic upon occasion. However in this instance I am not sure this was the case. The injury and subsequent withdrawal from the game was due to deliberate foul play missed by the referee (a late tackle, with no arms targeting the upper torso).

I'm open to observations/suggestions as always. Nevertheless, recourse to 'I remember when...', 'In the good old days...' 'The game has gone soft...' et al completely misses the point.

Do we want to take the game forward and produce a 'product' that people want to watch or do we want to regress into the miasma that Rugby League finds itself in.

Do we want to develop or do we want to wither on the vine?

Quote from: BigBadWolf69 on Jan 18, 2026, 06:34 PMJim, sorry to say. This is a terrible take.

No player was targeted, he was tackled.. which is what tends to happen in a contact sport... I also noticed that he did return to the pitch after being brutally targeted (so you say).

I would also question the reliance you have on said player if thats the main reason the home side got back into it?

The game was played in good spirits, which you snatched at the death with a questionable penalty.

Don't try put a dampener on a well contested fixture.



 

Quote from: Jim on Jan 18, 2026, 05:42 PM

Quote from: The Lurker on Jan 18, 2026, 08:22 AMAre Morley having an injury crisis; their tubby flanker playing on the wing was a bold selection.

Interesting observation, although the 'Tubby Flanker' referenced would know doubt have issue with the sobriquet.

I only watched the Veo so am no doubt missing context, however the observation bears further scrutiny. The Flanker in question was called into action for 10 minutes due to a deserved Yellow Card for Morley's 10, and to give him his due the Tubby Flanker played scrum half when he was about 9 years old, but his brother is a scrum half.

Seriously though it did appear that Wetherby (in this case, but I could quote other clubs) had such a limited array of options that they had decided as a 'game plan' to target certain players no doubt to illicit an advantage. The score went from 0 v 20 to 26 v 20 whilst said player was removed, so it bore fruit.

Now within the laws of the game I understand, and I am sure all clubs have deployed it as a tac tic upon occasion. However in this instance I am not sure this was the case. The injury and subsequent withdrawal from the game was due to deliberate foul play missed by the referee (a late tackle, with no arms targeting the upper torso).

I'm open to observations/suggestions as always. Nevertheless, recourse to 'I remember when...', 'In the good old days...' 'The game has gone soft...' et al completely misses the point.

Do we want to take the game forward and produce a 'product' that people want to watch or do we want to regress into the miasma that Rugby League finds itself in.

Do we want to develop or do we want to wither on the vine?

BBW69 some fair points well made. Only some of which I would take issue with. The game was a very good contestant between two well matched teams, played in a good spirit and I'm led to believe that Wetherby; not just the team, were very gracious hosts.

Nevertheless If you were to watch the Veo the initial challenge is; despite the hyperbole, as I described, the secondary tackle which exacerbated the injury is without doubt legitimate both are right under the camera.

Is the player 'pivotal'? It depends how you read or indeed watch the game. Wetherby's success as the game progressed was built upon their ability to use the space that would have been managed by the missing players, more so under the yellow card.

If Tom Curry went to 9, Oli Lawrence went to 10 and George Ford went for a sit down for 10 minutes and have a coffee would the game change?

Additionally the '9' concerned came back on with minutes remaining, jumped and stole the line out which led to the penalty, from which his 'quick tap' led to the try that allowed us within 2 minutes to kick the game winning penalty. 'Pivotal'? Surely that is the definition.

Was the penalty questionable... you must be joking! The Wetherby lad knocked on and the other Wetherby player in front of him picked it up. The only circumstance in which that isn't a penalty is if you're playing for the British Lions in New Zealand! Even the referee saw it!!!

Is the '9' the beating heart of the team, probably not. The team is packed full of very good players proud to have the opportunity to pull on the Maroon Jersey. Is he the 'Star', hell no... after all Doctor Delicious also graces the hallowed turf.

However, there are players within this League in whose team they are reliant; Old Brods Hooker and Moortown's '8' spring to mind but there are more, it was a thread I started earlier in the season.

On this occasion I'm afraid we must agree to disagree, however in the spirit that this forum is intended have a great evening and may I recommend a good Pinot to see the evening out.

Jim

PS that's my real name, I've never felt comfortable with anonymity.

Good response. That's where we can shake hands. I'm not arguing the penalty at all, by the way. If that's what the referee saw, then it's 100% the right decision.

From my angle, it looked as though the ball was stripped, which would mean play on.

Either way, we've played four times now ,two wins apiece, with three of those games decided by no more than two points.

Quote from: backrowbandit on Jan 18, 2026, 07:03 AMGood match at Silver Royd yesterday and the score probably didn't reflect how competitive Crocs were. Despite the score, their defence and willingness to compete for the ball we're good. They just lacked a bit in attack on the day.

In regards to the other results, the Selby result was a surprise. Not so much that they won (as they are very competitive especially at home) more the size of the victory. Were Pock missing some or was it just a fair reflection.

Malton edged another close one.

More just got past wetherby.

Scarborough have Morley away and then Pock away in the next two weeks so the league could be turned upside down again. Especially as next week was a blank weekend so availability is massively disrupted, no doubt the same for all clubs.

Just a fair reflection BRB.

Close, arm wrestle of a first half with both teams not capitalizing on decent field position and the ball being spilled on a few occasions in what looked like greasy conditions. Selby were excellent after the break, fast aggressive line speed in defence and big drives from the solid pack had Pock on the back foot for most of the second half, accurate kicking game put us under pressure and laid the platform for the quality backs to attack with pace and confidence, ultimately taking the game away from us. The 9 & 10 organised well and the lad on the right wing was very dangerous and kicked very well.

Obviously disappointed with the result, but the game was played in the right spirit, with a good atmosphere and a low score on your "whoopometer"   

Big couple of games coming up.

 

Quote from: BigBadWolf69 on Jan 18, 2026, 08:01 AMMorley v Wetherby - I said it would be close.. Morley 17-0 up at half time, Weth came back to lead 20-19. Settled by a silly penalty with the last kick of the game.

6/7 results for me, Pock complacency kicked in? Scarborough's to lose now I'd say, they are for sure the most rounded team I've seen this season.

Not complacency from Pock, after a brilliant start it's no surprise that we've lost a few in such a competitive league, only others on here put us on a pedestal by saying we'd won the league after seven games. To be in second place after 14 games as a newly promoted club is something the Pock faithful would've snapped your hand off for at the start of the season. 

'However, there are players within this League in whose team they are reliant; Old Brods Hooker and Moortown's '8' spring to mind but there are more, it was a thread I started earlier in the season'

Morley's team are also reliant on the local post office for a supply of Brown envelopes every week 😉

You can add the Scarborough 13 to your list as well Jim and I have previously mentioned the Pocklington number 8 on that thread however have not seen him play this year. Has anybody else impressed you?

I attended the Selby vs Pock game and had a fantastic day witnessing what is great about local rugby.
The match was attended by a huge crowd, full of hungry and very thirsty farmers!!

As for the game it saw two young teams producing a great game, with Pock probably having the best of the first half and then Selby dominating possession and territory in the second half.
Pock looked as though they ran out of ideas in the 2nd half and defiantly ran out of steam. Their tactics were very basic and I presume that this came from the coaches as they ran on the pitch at every score, just like junior rugby. Selby were quite the opposite and played a very fast open game with vision, lead by the playing group on the park.

I thought that the Pock 8 was excellent off the base of the scrum and was their best player.



https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1E5KwSAic7/
   

Quote from: PocknRoll on Jan 19, 2026, 08:10 AM

Quote from: backrowbandit on Jan 18, 2026, 07:03 AMGood match at Silver Royd yesterday and the score probably didn't reflect how competitive Crocs were. Despite the score, their defence and willingness to compete for the ball we're good. They just lacked a bit in attack on the day.

In regards to the other results, the Selby result was a surprise. Not so much that they won (as they are very competitive especially at home) more the size of the victory. Were Pock missing some or was it just a fair reflection.

Malton edged another close one.

More just got past wetherby.

Scarborough have Morley away and then Pock away in the next two weeks so the league could be turned upside down again. Especially as next week was a blank weekend so availability is massively disrupted, no doubt the same for all clubs.

Obviously disappointed with the result, but the game was played in the right spirit, with a good atmosphere and a low score on your "whoopometer"   



 

Ah...funny you should mention this. It seems that most players have had a word with themselves as whooping would appear to have (thankfully) largely departed from the Saturday afternoon entertainment offering!

Quote from: backrowbandit on Jan 19, 2026, 02:01 PMAh...funny you should mention this. It seems that most players have had a word with themselves as whooping would appear to have (thankfully) largely departed from the Saturday afternoon entertainment offering!

Not at Woodhead they haven't

Quote from: FlankSinatra on Jan 19, 2026, 10:30 AM'However, there are players within this League in whose team they are reliant; Old Brods Hooker and Moortown's '8' spring to mind but there are more, it was a thread I started earlier in the season'

Morley's team are also reliant on the local post office for a supply of Brown envelopes every week 😉

You can add the Scarborough 13 to your list as well Jim and I have previously mentioned the Pocklington number 8 on that thread however have not seen him play this year. Has anybody else impressed you?

Flanky, I know you've baited your hook and are looking for a bite... but I can't resist.

Morley do not use 'brown envelopes' and I can say without fear of contradiction have not done so this Century.
Morley do pay players, we are clear about it and comfortable with it, it's public knowledge... they are all documented in the accounts.

I understand that it upsets some clubs and individuals within these clubs and others and I understand why. Is it within the spirit of an amateur game or indeed within a game at this social level?
I wish there was an answer that acceptable to all but there isn't.

With regards to payment of players it is difficult to get everybody on the moral high ground, so let me try to level the playing field.

It is by far from an exhaustive list, nevertheless if a club does any of the following I would contest that they are paying players;

1. Payment of match fees or training fees in Cash, BACS transfer, cheque etc
2. Payment to play and also coach is a greyish area, beyond my understanding
3. Image rights (probably not an issue at our level)
4. Payment to wife/partner
5. Employment or a paid 'role' for player or wife/partner
6. Employment in name only to obscure the receipt of monies
7. Employment that is done but paid above the going rate
8. Payment for expenses associated with education
9. Travelling expenses above the legitimate rate per mile
10. Free kit beyond what can be expected to be used in training or on match days
11. Excessive discounts
12. Free beer or beer tickets beyond a reasonable amount that accompanies a meal
13. Tickets to club functions/events
14. Win or appearance bonuses
15. Perks such as Health Insurance or access to a physio beyond a reasonable level
16. Perks such as Gym or Club membership
17. In-Kind benefits such as flights to and from country of origin or holidays
18. Larger In-Kind benefits such as car/rent/mortgage
19. Benefiting from an association with another company or institution

In essence as the RFU says:

Any "payment" that is not clearly an expense... [should be] ... being considered a "shamateur" arrangement.

If you were to read RFU Regulation 7, Morley has no qualms signing it...


Finally, please do not reply to me directly or try to goad me into further discourse. Morley's position is clear and always has been, it has also been explained to the 'n'th degree on this forum previously.

"Let those who have ears hear"

Morley must have a 19 man squad 🤣🤣

That was a joke Jim before you trigger yourself!