By RtR on 02/12/2002
December 3 2002

Think of the word 'Swinging', and what comes into your mind?

Twiggy skipping down Carnaby Street wearing the latest Mary Quant number in the 'Swinging Sixties'?

'Swing' Low Sweet Chariot?

'Swinging' parties, where those with loose morals try to satisfy their carnal need (or so I'm lead to believe)?

Well my friends, the Rant column is proud to present a new addition into the Lexicon of Swing, 'The Leeds Tykes 2002/2003 Season Swingomter'. And being at the pivotal 6/11ths point in the ZP season makes this an ideal time to start Swinging!

This is the latest development in high technology rugby results analysis, designed by a dedicated professional scientist to enhance your enjoyment of the Tykes second season in the Zurich Premiership. The progress of the Tykes can be followed using the handy and easy to use Tykes Swingometer, currently installed in my loft.

Last years lack of relegation (phew!) offers us a unique (RFU permitting) opportunity to see exactly how we measure up against last year, by directly comparing points accrued in each corresponding game.

It works just like the election night Swingometer used by Peter Snow - if the Tykes gain 4 points in a game that they only got one point in last year, that's a +3 swing to the Tykes. If the loose a game this year with no bonus point, where they got 2 points last year, that's a -2 swing, and so on.

For example, last season, the Tykes got zero points in the home game against Northampton Saints. This season we got 4 points. Hence a +4 points swing to the Tykes.

So, let us see what the Swingometer says about the season to date. Alas, the technology has not yet been fitted with a graphical interface, so lets view some printouts from the machine. First let us look at the season summary print out, as of this morning.

Results analysis as of 02/12/02 (after Wasps home)
Last seasons points accumulation = 28points
Swing this season to date = +20 points

If all other results go as they did last year, the Tykes potential points accural = 48, which would gain a top 9 finish.

We can see, that in corresponding fixtures played to date, the Tykes have accrued 20 more points than they did last season - quite an achievement I suggest. If all other results go as they did last season, the Tykes will accrue 48 points. Based on last seasons league table, that would put us 9th. It also shows just how much rugby the Tykes need to play to get a top 6 finish in the table.

Next, take a look at the positive and negative swing summary print out.

Negative Swing analysis as of 02/12/02 (after Wasps home)
Negative swing resulted against Leiceter (H) at home, where -1 swing points resulted.

Positive Swing analysis as of 02/12/02 (after Wasps home)
Positive swing resulted against London Irish (H), Harlequins (A), Sale (H), Falcons (A), Bath (A), Wasps (A), Northampton (H) Wasps (A).

So,even though we are disappointed with the results away at Newcastle, and home to Wasps, the Swingometer clearly shows that a net swing points accrual of +2 was achieved in those games. Also, a net swing of -1 against Tigers at home looks dissapointing, but the season as a whole to date has shown that massive progress has taken place.

We can see, that when everything is viewed in terms of Swing, the Tykes faithful should be positive about the future.

So Think Positive - Think Swing. You know it makes sense, accept no substitutes.

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Previous rants:

November 2002: The Sword of Braamocles

October 2002: The C Factor

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