Last night, at a very warm Odsal, Guy Armitage scored a hat-trick in a 32–6 triumph.
However, the Bulls’ head coach was especially happy with his team’s ability to defend their own line, which has occasionally faltered lately.
“In the first half, we didn’t finish sets as well as we should have,” he stated. We had issues because they didn’t stay at their end of the pitch, even though some of our lead-up work was excellent.
“Under these circumstances, we probably wouldn’t have wanted to do as much defence as we did.
However, they performed flawlessly in the major in the second half. The learning curve must exist.
“We need to improve as we move through the season’s second half. They accomplished the target that Lee Greenwood and I set for them this week.
“Defensively, we need to be a little more resilient, and we were each time they attacked our line.
“That was our ethos at the beginning of the year, and we have slightly strayed from it. We’ll bring that up again in the hopes of making ourselves even harder to score against.
That was the distinction between our earlier Batley efforts. The games become intense and passionate, and either way, it’s a drop-goal victory.
“That wasn’t it. The game ended in a systematic manner.
When necessary, certain players displayed their skill and cunning.
“I thought the ruck was slow and some decisions went against us, which were quite confusing. But we have to put up with that – we’ve done it every week so far.
“To pull away to 32-6 at the end is a good scoreline against a determined Batley. They’ll beat some teams towards the back end of the year.”
Armitage has now crossed five times in the last two games and Noble was delighted with his contribution and that of fellow winger Jayden Okunbor.
“I thought both wingers were outstanding. Him and Jayden laid really good platforms for us.
“Both were very strong but I’m particularly thrilled for Guy. All three of his tries needed finishing.
“He did a lot of other good work as well. We’re lucky to have him.”
The heat was a factor – it was still 25 degrees centigrade at kick-off – but Noble felt his team deal with it.
“It’s the same for both sets of players.
“We’ve had a good pre-season and we think we’re a fit team. Keeping the ball in play and things like that are important in these conditions because you don’t want a stop-start game.”
It was the first of five consecutive Friday night home games for the Bulls. A DJ set blasted out beforehand and the 3,131 crowd were treated to fireworks to greet the teams coming out.
Noble said: “I enjoyed the fireworks. The red, amber and black flares were excellent.
“The club is taking another step in their attempt to return to the Super League.”
It sounded worthwhile, and we need to demonstrate that we can amuse people as well.
“Beer sales will be boosted by the hot weather, so why not? In addition to having certain amenities away from the game, fans should be engaged on the pitch.
“If you look at Hull KR five years ago, they had nothing to offer. The team gets better because someone took the time to mention that it can look like this.
Suddenly, on a Friday night, it’s the place to be. It can all cooperate.
