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MORGAN BACKS ROVERS TO BOUNCE BACK
Saturday 17th July 2010
Rovers lost 20-16 in a thrilling clash at the KC Stadium last night although they came desperately close to snatching at least a draw.
With just 40 seconds left, winger Peter Fox went for the line only to be nailed inches short by his Hull FC counterpart Tom Briscoe.
At first, Rovers' fans packed behind the posts thought Fox had scored but their delight turned to dismay when the video referee confirmed Fox hadn't got the ball down.
Morgan admitted: "It was a great tackle by Briscoe. He's certainly a talented kid and it was a terrific effort from him to snuff out our last chance of getting a draw or possibly a win.
"Obviously, we're disappointed but we'll dust ourselves down and we've got more than a week until our next game against Bradford Bulls.
"We've got to make sure we win our remaining games and make sure we finish as high up the table as possible.
"We're not going to throw our dummies out because we didn't hit our usual high standards last night and we got beaten.
"The last six weeks, we've been consistent. We were consistent with our effort on Thursday night and we worked our backsides off, we really did. Our execution wasn't 100 per cent but I've every confidence we'll put things right."
Morgan was full of praise for Hull FC's efforts and admitted his side failed to produce the form which had seen them post a four-match winning run going into the derby.
He added: "I thought they played very well. In the first half, tactically, they were very good. They won field position very well and made it difficult for us to come out of our own end.
"We kicked a 40-20 and forced a couple of drop outs but we couldn't take advantage of that, largely because of some uncharacteristic errors. We did very well to be still in the game (at half time).
"We came out and started the second half well but again, we didn't tick as many boxes as we have been although it wasn't for the lack of trying.
"We've set high standards in recent games but we didn't hit too many of those markers. Some of the statistical things that we mark ourselves against, we were well below our usual standard but to find ourselves still in the game in the 79th minute is credit to our boys.
"What went on between the ears probably wasn't as clear and concise as it has been in previous weeks. We've been very clinical with our decisions and very good at making the right decisions.
"We weren't as good on Thursday but these things happen in sport. If the effort wasn't there, I'd be even more disappointed. Nobody likes to lose a derby but you've got to give credit where it is due."
Morgan played down suggestions Rovers should have scored in that pulsating finish.
He explained: "We had an overlap and we'll have a look at it again and see whether, or where, we should have done things any differently. But you've got to remember it was the 79th minute. The players were out on their feet. Their brains were fizzled.
"Of course, there are technical things we could do better but we're not going to put it down to one player. It would have been nice to sneak it from that one play but we have to dust ourselves off and roll up next week against Bradford.
"We've got time to get over the niggles and bumps out of our system - and get our brains right."
Rovers will check on second rower Ben Galea (calf) and skipper Mick Vella who was forced to pull out of the derby at the last minute with a rib injury.
