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Halifax RLFC 24 Dewsbury Rams 0: Matt's praise: Boss Calland pleased with new recruits
HALIFAX coach Matt Calland sang the praises of his new recruits after his side finally got their season underway with a comprehensive 24-0 home win over Dewsbury in the Northern Rail Cup.
Fax were never in danger against a determined but limited Rams side, running in five tries including a double for centre James Haley.
And it was Calland's close season signings who did the damage, with Australian stand off Luke Branighan, his former Gateshead teammate Dylan Nash and Papua New Guinea international Stanley Gene all setting up scores for their teammates.
Nash, who had been missing when Calland named his initial squad because of a back problem, also scored himself, running clear from half way to put Fax 8-0 ahead at the break, before hobbling to the dressing room in obvious discomfort.
"I was impressed with them all," said Calland, who started Gene at half back after the withdrawal of Ben Black (foot).
"Stan can play pivot or second row and he showed some nice touches.
"The crowd seemed to take to him too, you can see he's going to be popular with them.
"Luke showed up well and as soon as those two get to know their teammates a bit better they will improve significantly.
"Dylan was fit to play, he just hadn't trained since the Saints game.
"But Dave Larder pulled out at the last minute with a stomach bug and Dylan was the ideal replacement.
"Unfortunately, he's got injured, but it's just a spasm.
"I was also really impressed with Paul White's carries. We just need to get with him in support a bit more."
Calland was predictably pleased with keeping the visitors scoreless, although the number of mistakes from both teams - and a glut of penalties - left him frustrated.
"The defence is something we have worked on when we have had the chance and to hold a team to nil in our first game is pleasing for us," he said.
"We knew the way they played and our ruck defence held up pretty well.
"I feel a bit sorry for the spectators, because the game was very stop start with 20 penalties and quite a few errors.
"We knew we were going to be a bit rusty after only being able to train once this week and that is what we got.
"I have to take my hat off to Dewsbury: they were very strong, very fit and very hard to break down.
"I was impressed, no one is going to get an easy game against them this season."
Nash aside, the main selection surprise was in the back row, where Calland named centre Jon Goddard alongside Stephen Bannister, switching the impressive Lee Paterson to centre.
"We'll see how Jon goes," said Calland. "But the way the game is played now there isn't a lot different between a wide-running back rower and a centre."
Newly-promoted Keighley sprang a surprise as they beat Whitehaven 17-16 at Cougar Park.
James Haythornwaite and Dan Belcher touched down for the Cougars with Danny Jones kicking four goals and a crucial drop goal.
The battle between former Sheffield team-mates Daryl Powell and Mark Aston finished all square as their respective Featherstone and Eagles teams drew 18-18.
Widnes were also held to a 30-30 draw at Batley despite two tries apiece from Ben Kavanagh and on-loan Wigan youngster Shaun Ainscough.
Championship winners Barrow saw off Blackpool 34-8 with Liam Campbell claiming two of their five tries.
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Weather for Halifax
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
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