Rochdale Hornets v London Skolars preview

Want to buy this photo?

Hornets v London Skolars last season

In more difficult and closer games the simple handling errors, forced passes and penalties can be costly and so it proved against North Wales.

For around 60 minutes Hornets defended brilliantly and were on top in the match, even with all the errors, but the sheer volume of tackles they were having to make due to not completing sets took its toll on a heavy pitch and the big Crusaders pack eventually got on top.

With a 50% completion rate at any standard you can’t expect to win a game, as was the case on Sunday.

There was a fighting spirit in the team that was strangely missing from the derby at Oldham last week. The enthusiasm and work ethic could not be faulted but Hornets  need to be that little bit smarter with ball in hand, start to get some of those 50/50 calls and the end product should start to come together and reward the fans, who were in full voice on Sunday, with a performance they deserve.

On Sunday Hornets welcome London Skolars to Spotland for the remaining game of the Northern Rail Cup. At the moment they are unbeaten in the NRC on the back of some great performances. In recent years Hornets have had very differing results home and away against the Skolars, convincing wins at home and whimpering defeats away.

Hornets will have to be on top of their game if they want to take maximum points.

Hornets know what they have to improve on and Sunday has to be the start of these improvements if they are to hit the ground running in time for the all-important league fixtures.