By RtR on 29/10/2003
October 29 2003

Next up for the Tykes is the visit of a team who are stereotypically posher than Beckhams wife in Harvey Nicks – yes it’s the visit of Harlequins. A battle that the red-tops would bill as distinctly Whippets versus Corgis, or Cloth caps versus Straw Boaters.

But perhaps more seriously and depressingly, Independent Tykes sees this as Haves versus Have-nots.

The Tykes faithful will be willing their team on to victory on Friday night, and what a sweet victory it would be, especially as the Tykes continue with a disparity of funding that angers all right thinking rugby fans, who believe in the true essence of sport. Quins, along with all other ZP clubs bar the Tykes and Titans get a full central handout, and at the end of the day, - without wishing disrespect or bad humour towards the Quins fans - Quins are the archetypal ‘establishment’ club, and as such, are deeply embroiled in the decision to enforce reduced central funding for the two Yorkshire clubs – the Tykes and the Titans.

So, from the Tykes angle, it is a perfect opportunity to show the Zurich Premiership cartel that whilst they can strangle the finances of our club, they can’t necessarily beat us on the pitch.

The Independent Tykes website is encouraging the Tykes fans to bring along banners to show their anger at the behaviour of the RU hierarchy in enforcing reduced funding on the Tykes. You too can do your bit – go over to the message board and read about how you can bring a banner along to give yourself a voice. Lets use this game as an opportunity to show the strength of our feeling against this continuing charade.

That commentary on the actual game on Friday does not form the bulk of this article is a shame. Bigger issues are at stake, and unless the funding issue is changed, and the Tykes given their fair share on the central pot, there may not be another Tykes versus Quins game in the ZP. By all accounts, it could be that serious.

As for the rugby, well, Harlequins have a distinctly unenviable record at Headingley, both previous visits seeing them cruising back down the M1 (in their Rolls Royces? - sorry! went all red-top there for a moment!) with nothing but a sound beating to show for their efforts.

The Tykes have steadily improved as the season has gone on, and should go into the game with confidence high after a creditable 5 point loss at Kingsholm last week. The pack gets stronger with each game, and we can hope that the backs regain the fluency that has seen 20 tries this season already. Aaron Persico will be available for the Tykes, rumour has it on the bench. In addition to those on RWC duty, Quins will be missing ex-Tykes George Harder. Has to be said, a bit of a relief for the Tykes backs there! But if the Tykes pack continues on its upward trend, a win for the Tykes should result.

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