European Union

There was a significant level of ESP in evidence at Sixways yesterday; not Extra Sensory Perception, but European Shield Performance.  What might have been a rather lack-lustre occasion, of little consequence to both sides, turned into an enjoyable and exciting try-fest, reminiscent of some of the more care-free days in National Division 1.

The European Shield does not have much public appeal.  Its chief claim to fame seems to be its total lack of incentive for participating clubs.  There cannot be many international competitions which are so expensive and so unrewarded. “We’re playing in the European ashtray!” quipped one Worcester fan yesterday.

Despite the competition’s lack of status, however, the 4 semi-finalists are all teams of substance: Auch, Bayonne, Leeds and Worcester.  I don’t know the feelings of the French clubs, but Leeds and Worcester – torch-bearers for the ambitions of ND1 and fellow-victims of the RFU’s “Keep it exclusive” pricing policy – could have been forgiven for dismissing yesterday’s match as an irritating diversion from the real business of avoiding relegation.  John Brain was reported as saying that he wouldn’t lose any sleep over the result. (Unless, of course, we lost more players through injury.) The fans, one might have thought, would have stayed away.

It is, therefore, to the credit of both the Warriors and the Tykes, as well as to the Sixways faithful, that the “European Ashtray” turned out to be such an entertaining occasion.

The weather helped.  After the monsoon of the previous few days which had turned much of the site into a paddy-field, warm sunshine dried out the playing surface and lifted the spirits of the 4,200 crowd.  Ticket availability, school holidays and the opportunity to see some of our “young guns” gave the game an added attraction.  It looked as if there might be an opportunity for the “dancers and prancers” to stretch their legs, rather than knuckling down to the dour forward battles that have been essential for our ZP survival.

Leeds, too, had obviously come with the same spirit.  Both clubs fielded good competitive teams who wanted to win, but not at any cost: a mixture of first choice players, injury returners and young aspirants to be top cat.  It was to prove a good combination.

We were seated alongside the same Leeds supporters as at our previous encounter.  The mood on Saturday was rather more jocular than for the League match although, on both occasions, the atmosphere between us had been amiable and fair-minded. The competitive links between the clubs have a long history and Leeds understands what this season  means to us.

Some links, however, go back even further.  Dave Teale is a stalwart Warriors fan of many years’ standing, but his rugby career began in his home town of Leeds.  He was, therefore, surprised and delighted on Saturday to be greeted by his old club captain from his Roundhay days and to share a drink and a chat with him after the game.  The rugby family spreads its net wide.

The match itself lifted the spirits: 10 tries shared between the teams (more to us!); enough change of fortune to keep the crowd on its toes; Jon Hylton showing that he has not lost his pace; Tommy kicking like a dream; Gary Trueman, Neil Mason and Duncan Roke reminding us that they are still ambitious and improving; Paul Sampson staking a claim for future notice.  Mistakes there were, but both teams played with pace, pleasure and panache, giving the crowd a thoroughly exhilarating afternoon.

And after the game, so much to talk about!  “Drahm” and “Gomarsall” were the names on everyone’s lips.  Press rumours were exchanged and evaluated; possible outcomes to the season were discussed.  Speculation about future results provoked both optimism and anxiety.  Past bad luck was brooded upon, but loyalty to the club and optimism for our long-term prospects were the dominant sentiments.

Next week we’re off to Newcastle.  Will we be the next Midland sports team to pull off a striking victory on Tyne side?  One thing’s certain, our players will only be fighting for a win and the honour of the club!

RT