Last play defence let us down - Littler

Stuart Littler was frustrated that the majority of Doncaster’s tries came on last plays

Roughyeds boss Stuart Littler believes his side need to be smarter in games after suffering the first defeat of the season to Doncaster.

Oldham struggled to win territory in a relatively error-free game and, until a late second half fight-back, Doncaster always seemed to be one step ahead of Roughyeds.

“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb, the effort and desire was there at the end but we needed to be a bit smarter earlier on in the game to not let the score blow out that far," said Littler.

“Doncaster are a quality team and have been a standard bearer in this league and they don’t give you much.

“I think our execution was a bit off, and I don’t think we believed enough in the system until late on when we got our tails up and we became a different beast.”

Littler was frustrated that the majority of Doncaster’s tries came on last plays, with one on the back of four repeat sets.

“It’s easy to stand here and say it, but one disappointing factor was our defence on the last play so we need to take tough actions and get that right," he said.

“We invited a bit of trouble with several six agains but I gave the boys credit for that at half time, because we defended like troopers but I just thought the try they scored was a bit soft.”

“On another day that game swings our way, but full credit to Doncaster they’re a good side and coached well.”

Before Roughyeds face 11 games back-to-back, starting against Cornwall on May 7, there are two free weekends which gives Littler a chance to put things right.

“There’s a lot we can fix up and we’ve got to up our intensity in training now so that we can go set for set with teams," he added.

“We did that against Doncaster, and completed high, but we need to win that battle for field position.”

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