Reverend Ram

The Lord indeed works in mysterious ways - trams cancelled because of engineering works on Milnrow line so never got to the game and thus spared what sounds like an embarrassing second half. Anyone there dare express a view on what happened?

At least I will enjoy the tram ride

It’s all a matter of faith!

Not sure I agree CF - every young ‘un who attended that hallowed institution known as Flatts Nursery (my good self included) or went to buy tea cakes at Elsie’s shop knows t’Flatts and Margaret Watson will never forgive you for suggesting otherwise! I did once run into a confused Swinton fan on Ashworth Road, looking for the ground….

Didn’t have you down as a Jane Austen fan Harry! Hill and Burgess in minuets and crinoline no doubt is a new kind of on field manoeuvre!

Think that was just what we needed to shake the cobwebs off and remove any complacency. Cru are the best of the expansion sides in L1 and showed it today with a strong performance though a combination of spoiling tactics and with the poor weather kept it a tighter score line than one would have liked. But we showed good touches in tricky conditions and found some mettle despite the sin binning. Puts us in a good position for the Hunslet game. Full marks to the Cru supporters for keeping their spirits up throughout.

We were about 90% strength- Ferguson & Carr missing - not sure about Hornets though I do know they were stronger than when we played them away judging by their performance.

Agree WR, the nil against Hornets was just as pleasing as the impressive try count, and given the opposition this is indeed a very good result and puts us in good fettle for the Oldham game next week.

For anyone interested Dews purred to an impressive 42-0 win over Rochdale tonight, we are looking as we should be, a championship club in temporary exile in league 1.

Saw Dale after the match and he seemed confident of being ok despite the limp. A win is a win and it was pretty well as I predicted- stout defence from the Choughs and it took a while for us to break through but eventually we managed to gain control. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and loved the pork pies - and back in time for evensong at Truro Cathedral so spiritually satisfying as well!

I won’t demean Cornwall by saying the Rams played badly as their defence at times was heroic and there is plenty of effort and improvement to be seen - it was also heartening to see quite a few locals out in support of the Choughs and there is definitely potential there, just need a few more experienced hands to guide them forward. And excellent pork pies!

I bizarrely miss several home games this season but will be at the Cornwall game and am looking forward to a new RL experience. A steady win no doubt but I hope we are given a challenge for a while- an 18-49 win will fit the bill nicely.

Sorry WR but I am a total Luddite and wouldn’t know where to begin! That’s why I do hard copies…..

Have re-issued an updated version and is available at the bar in the WR from today for those interested though if it sells out (likely as it is free!) it won’t be replenished till the week after the historic date because I am away and missing the Donny and Oldham games

Sadly I have to miss this one as for the first time in a while Dews are playing at 3pm on Good Friday which clashes big time with my ecclesiastical duties though I may sneak in for the last 20 minutes (I hope I don’t have to point out why I won’t be there, even in these secular times!)

Still think the challenge cup has lost its glamour then BSJ?

Apologies brethren but as I have a travel card the whole of zones 1/6 is my oyster though somewhere near Pimlico Victoria or Westminster would be handy so long as the Cardinal doesn’t see me….

Following attendance at an ecclesiastical conference in London tomorrow I will be in need of spiritual sustenance in the form of watching TGG on a telly in a suitable London hostelry - to save me traipsing round half the capital can anyone suggest a likely watering hole that can serve a thirsty cleric with decent ale and also showing the game? Theological establishments (The Bishop’s Arms, Black Friars &c.) not compulsory!

Think CF has it summarised well - we put in a competent performance and didn’t really have to get out of third gear to win comfortably- will give an honourable mention to Midlands centre Welham who was their best player and a bit of a handful for our left side. We shouldn’t gripe over a result like this but still a few sloppy bits and pieces - Worky away will give us a better picture as to where we are and where our real challenges lie. Oh and having more than two turnstile only would be an improvement admin wise, not to mention the Bill Pertwee ARP types manning the player’s tunnel barrier forcing you to walk up and down the stairs at half time just to get a cuppa.

Enjoyable game at Dews today and credit to Ashton players and fans, we were made to look very ordinary at times and the Bears gave 100% - just those few bits of professionalism and fitness counted but the Rams will have to do far better if we want to have a cup run.

Didn’t BSJ model the original kit back in 1873? Or was that Coolie?

Very satisfactory debut to league 1 and a bit of a Paul Sykes masterclass and he didn’t even show any dissent. A bit sloppy towards the end of the second half but overall a good performance and even the long walk back to the station was improved by going through Victoria Park - a note to self to remember the next time we play at what I will always call Naughton Park.

I’m of the school of at least one unexpected result per round so here goes and no divine intervention planned (or prayed for either at this early stage) skolars beat Workington as the long journey saps the Town, but close Donny pip Hunslet by 6 Hurricanes comfy winners over Choughs by 20 Dews to overcome NWC after a bit of an arm wrestle 20-10

A happy Christmas to all Rams fans and even unto those across the valley. For New Year let us hope for peace in Ukraine, relief from the financial hardship at home and I will even accept defeat tomorrow in exchange for promotion! God bless you all

For the 40th Anniversary I did a leaflet for a historic RL walk around the town which was available free in the West Riding pub - happy to re-issue it next year!