The disappointment on Andy Thornley's face during his LionsTV postmatch interview said it all. The Lions captain could barely find the words to express how gutted he was to have lost against Bradford.
It was a thoroughly disappointing outcome from a very emotional match. Bradford came with a huge crowd, proving why Championship clubs didn't want them relegated and why Super League clubs want them back in the top flight. A big crowd always raises the temperature and with a history of cards between the sides last season it was always likely to flare up at some point.
Bradford played well and ultimately deserved the win though the game undoubtedly turned on a five minute spell after Swinton had levelled the scores. On the second carry after the equalising goal Swinton were penalised for a play the ball (PTB) offence. The ball didn't touch the boot so the referee was right to give a penalty. Except, if we reviewed the footage of every game in the country last weekend you'd see hundreds (thousands?) of identical PTBs and no more than a handful would have been penalised. You have to question the selective nature of such a decision. Key moment in the game and right in front of the posts guaranteeing two points for Bradford. Why did Mr Sweet suddenly decide that was the moment to take a stand on sloppy PTBs?
After that things got out of hand and frustration got the better of both teams with Swinton first reduced to 12 men and then 11 with Bradford also losing a player following a huge punch up.
All fans and players ask for is consistency among officials. I thought the referee of the London Broncos game did an excellent job and allowed the game to flow resulting in an outstanding game with both teams going all out to score points. The first 40 minutes in particular was played at a phenomenal pace and was one of the most enjoyable first halves I can recall.
The game is one the Lions can learn a lot from. The way they lost a grip on the game after working so hard to get back in was disappointing. They can probably count themselves unlucky for the PTB decision though having been given a penalty a few minutes earlier when a Bradford player tried to con the referee by throwing himself to the floor at the PTB they should have known he'd look to even it up. The sin-binning of Jack Higginson looked harsh but was reportedly for dissent rather than a questionable high tackle. Referees will always be swayed by big clubs and big crowds, you just have to accept it.
The big punch up came moments later and this was where Bradford really were clever. They had a penalty for another high tackle in front of the posts. The penalty had been given and that seemed to be that until a couple of Bradford players sprinted in brandishing handbags. They knew a punch up would likely see Swinton down at least another man. It was smart play and we fell for it. One apiece went off and Bradford exploited a stretched Lions line to kill the game off.
It all happened so quickly. One minute the scores were level and the next the game was over. The experience will do the team good. It is a very young Swinton team and they will learn from the mistakes made last Sunday.
On a more positive note, Shaun Robinson's good form is most pleasing. He's a terrific finisher as he demonstrated with an excellent try in the first half against Bradford. Robbo didn't score as many tries as he'd have liked last season with more of Swinton's good play coming down the other side where Hallett and Marshall had strong performances. But he's always been a fierce competitor and is immensely popular with supporters as a result. Another try or two against Featherstone would go some way to helping us get over the Bradford game.
In many ways Featherstone are a club we should look at and try to emulate. The way they've competed at the top end of the Championship for many years while developing Post Office Road into a fine stadium is admirable. It will be a tough game with Fev coming to Heywood Road unbeaten and having battered us twice last year. Having competed well against London, then played in atrocious conditions at Dewsbury before that tight game against a rejuvenated Bradford, you could argue this game is the first real yardstick of where we are at as a team.
Hopefully Rhodri Llloyd and Matt Sarsfield will be available for selection and the growing support can cheer on a first home win of the season.
Come on you Lions.
Pics: Pete Green
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