Programme Notes 2007/8

London Wasps

I confess. The England result last Saturday evening went some way to dull the memory of the Quins’ performance earlier in the day. I consider myself a club before country kind of guy, however, the nature of the victories, in particular, the performances of Nick Easter and Andy Gomarsall, has filled me with pride. The whole England team has shown British character and grit and provided the perfect response to all those “experts” on the Television and in the Press who appear to have enjoyed both the English losses and victories in equal measure.

Interestingly, what the pundits are now saying is that it is relegation in the English and French leagues that is making the difference in the RWC. It appears that our players know what pressure feels like and can deal with it. Conversely, whilst it is claimed that S14 allows “beautiful” rugby and skills to shine, their players do not experience the gut-wrenching stress and emotions of avoiding the drop, and therefore when the pressure comes on in the last quarter of a close match, they seem to go to pieces. Of course this is a great generalisation and is mouthed by the same pundits who explained that it was the threat of relegation that was stifling creative, and therefore winning, rugby in England. However, I think that there has to be some truth in the argument as although the All Blacks have been arguably the best team in the world for many a year, when teams go at them when it matters in the RWC, they are found wanting. As Corporal Jones might say, “they don’t like it up them, Mr Mainwaring”. A similar reason has been suggested for the success of English and French teams in the Heineken Cup, albeit with one exception. The lack of a properly competitive Celtic League means that although the top teams can rest their players and concentrate on the European tournament, they do not have the benefits of playing week in, week out, in pressure matches.

So are we now saying that relegation is truly good for you? Our leader, Mark Evans, has been continually quoted as against relegation in the Guinness Premiership. Perhaps the performances of England, Argentina and France are an argument against and he should have the opportunity to respond to this view. Well, what better timing could there be than the Quinssa “Meet the Management" evening to be held on Tuesday 23rd October from 7.30pm in the Members' Clubhouse in the Lexus Stand? Along with Mark at this open forum will be Dean Richards and Collin Osborne, the Academy Manager.  This will be a great chance to ask your questions and get the answers direct. All supporters are welcome to attend; Quinssa Members and Club Members can come to this event FREE of charge, while there will be a £5 entry fee (paid on the evening) for everyone else. This presents a wonderful opportunity to join Quinssa for the sum of £5 and obtain free entry to this and future events.

So let’s hope that today provides us with another win-double. I didn’t let you down last time I wrote these notes and predicted that day’s events and I just know that our players won’t let us down today, whether it be at the Stoop or in Paris.

And just a quick thank you to the Quinssa members who are shaking buckets today to collect money for Wooden Spoon – please dig deep and contribute.

Cliff Funnell
Cliff@quinssa.org.uk

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