Programme Notes 2007/8
Worcester Warriors (GP)
I must admit, I’m finding it hard to get going this season. Whether it’s the fact that we rarely seem to play a league match anymore; today will be our first home GP fixture for six weeks, or the fact that when we do play, we can’t get rid of the poor run of form we’ve been on since October. Fortunately the results in the first part of the season were good enough to leave us in the top half of the table at the GP’s midway point, but today’s match is a “must win” to provide the kick-start the team needs to finish the season as we started and to steady the nerves and frustrations of supporters. Certainly we seemed to be playing with ball in hand a bit more than previously and performances have improved. However, Worcester will also be determined to gain a victory as the situation is very tight in the relegation zone and if either Leeds or Warriors were to put together a couple of wins, they could move away from danger. Both teams have shown they are capable of a Houdini act before, so they know what is possible.
I don’t even have the consolation of watching an exciting, winning England team. In fact, I would have been happy for just one of those adjectives to be true, but it’s not to be. I know that’s not totally true, but Italy should be a banker, unless you’re Scottish. To be honest, no team has been very impressive, although some of the games have shown that Coaches have introduced a new tactic; self-destruct in the last quarter. England, France, Ireland and almost Wales have all introduced this into their play over the last two weekends, but let’s hope that Deano doesn’t risk it this week! But it always seems to be the same in the RWC season, which is invariably an anti -climax for Rugby supporters. During the actual competition, the league programme continues, which always strikes me as silly, and this is reflected in attendances. Even the most obsessed of us can watch too much rugby. Once it’s over, and the players return to their clubs, they appear to be physically and mentally exhausted by the whole process. We now have the 6 Nations and once again, fixtures and teams are disrupted. The round-ball game organises these things so much better and there’s even more money at stake. The administrators of rugby have never been recognised for running the game for the benefit of the game or supporters, so I doubt if they will start some time soon. I can’t believe it is in Sky’s interest to have such a messy season, with little chance of a regular schedule and the opportunity to build up a loyal audience.
Just to let you know, Quinssa are still working with Etihad to help supporters and our next Etihad draw will be a pair of tickets to the Newcastle game on 29th March. Every member who holds membership for the 2008/9 season on 16th March will be eligible for the draw. Please come over to the Etihad Stand and visit us. The £5 membership will be one of the best investments you could make. In fact you could save an immediate £3 by travelling on the Quinssa coach to the Saracens game on Sunday 24th February. Price for Quinssa members is £17; for non-Members: £20! To make a booking, contact coaches@quinssa.org.uk or ask at the Quinssa stand.
Cliff Funnell
Cliff@quinssa.org.uk
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