I always get worried when we get a good run with the umpires early in an away game, like we did today. It gets the crowd agitated and the noise starts to sway the umpires. There were a few calls made by the non-controlling ump that were textbook ‘noise of affirmation’ frees (assuming they exist).
But yeah, it probably didn’t affect the result.
We were rubbish today, but you expect that from time-to-time with young sides. I empathise with JLo and the match committee, because even though our team selections feel a bit rubbish, I’m not sure there’s much to choose from.
We’ve got a heap of people out, but if we had just one of Pearce, Hamling or Logue in defence, then Cox and Ryan don’t get so exposed. If we had just one of Fyfe or Lobb at the other end then Jones doesn’t get to coast around at his leisure all day.
For what it’s worth, I really like how Chapman worked his way into the game. He looked a bit off the pace early, but he really started to look comfortable.