Morrison praises Rams' commitment

Jode Sheriffe feels the full force of the Swinton Lions defence during his man-of-the-match display for Dewsbury Rams last Sunday. Picture: Paul Butterfield

The Rams produced a vastly improved display from the 46-0 defeat away to Rochdale in their opening Kingstone Press Championship game the previous week.

They appeared on course for a first league win as they led 6-2 late in the game, only for Swinton to grab a fortuitus late try to take the spoils.

Speaking after the game, Morrison said: “The boys were outstanding. We went 77 minutes without conceding a try and then it came down to a double kick which stuck in the mud.

“I said at half-time that the game would be won with a kick that hits someone, ricochets and someone dives on it.

“You have got to give it to both sets of players. It was an old school game. The players toughed it out but (Swinton) ground it out and found a way to win and you have to take your hats off to them.

“The performance of our boys and the energy they showed and desire in defence in those conditions, you couldn’t knock that.

“It was like a different side (to Rochdale). We showed the bond we have got and I thought we were the better side for the majority of the game but we came up with a couple of errors when we needed to find a way to knuckle down and get the two points.”

James Glover came off the bench and looked to have put the Rams on course for victory with a 54th minute try, while Morrison also praised the efforts of forwards Jode Sheriffe, Robbie Ward and Toby Adamson.

He added: “Wardy played 80 minutes in the middle at hooker in those conditions and along with Jode Sheriffe and Toby Adamson was outstanding with the line speed and contact.”

Some Rams players reported feeling the effects of hypothermia in the immediate aftermath of last Sunday’s game, which was played out in thick mud, while sub-zero temperatures made handling conditions extremely difficult.

The Rams medical staff took precautions against some players and Morrison explained: “We had heat lamps on them and they were wrapped in silver emergency blankets, but they should be okay.”

Saturday’s trip to Toulouse is followed by a home game against London Broncos on Sunday, February 26.