Our cup runneth over.
Super sub!
By WW
April 7 2016
There is a feel good factor around Headingley Carnegie Stadium at the moment. We have just secured our playoff spot. Wee Stevie is coming home and did I mention that we are in the cup final this weekend?
We have, of course, been to the final before. Some of us went to Twickenham to see Neil Back's team beaten by Moseley when the Tykes were hot favourites. I seem to remember the poor tactics we deployed on such a big pitch. This weekend the final is on our home turf against old rivals London Welsh who have already beaten us at HC in the league this season. It looked like they were about to do the double over us until super sub Joel Hodgson popped up with the winning try at the Old Deer Park last Saturday. We outgunned the Exiles 5 tries to 4 in that game but I cannot think that the defensive coaches at both clubs will be happy with that. Welsh have a tough pack and some experienced backs. We are close to a cup win but so are they. I see the game as a close run thing with the eventual winners being the team with the most fire in their bellies.
The play-off spot is ours though I feel that we have limped in as opposed to Donny and Bris who have been head and shoulders above the chasing teams. As things stand I think we will be playing the Knights and after that who knows what might happen?
The announcement from the club that we have re-signed Stevie McColl came out of the blue. He is still only 27 and will be a better player for his time at Gloucester. If this is the benchmark for further signings then we are in for an exciting time as Brush shapes his squad for next season.
It is remarkable how a few days can change the mood around the club. Will we win on Sunday? I can hear Brush stoking the fires as he aims to win his first trophy as our coach! What do you think?
See you at HC on Sunday.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:04:18:05:52:34 by Wildwillie .
J-Lo's team also got to the final a couple of years ago but didn't bother turning up to Donnybrook for the game with Leinster A which took place after we had lost the play off semi final to Welsh.
Think you're being a bit harsh when you say we've limped into the play-offs. To be fair, it's never really looked in doubt although I do agree with you that I had expected ourselves and Bris to be well clear at the top.
Welsh will throw everything at this as they cant now make the play-offs. They'll also want a bit of revenge for last weekend. It will be a very tough match and it will be interesting to see Brushes team selection - will he go for it or will he select with the play offs in mind.
Cant be there, which I'm gutted about, but hoping the lads will lift the trophy.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:04:07:12:51:23 by leemingtyke.
Personally I'm pleased in some ways that we've ended up 3rd. Yes we should have done better throughout the season but it takes the pressure and expectation off in the play offs. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think (and hope) we could surprise.
Momentum.
I do not think that we can draw any parallels with the final at Donnybrook two years ago - at least I hope not. That match was 5 days after a demoralising loss to London Welsh, and this match is eight days after an uplifting victory over LW. Plus, virtually no support as the match was on a Bank Holiday weekend and Ryanair had sold out, and nine of our starting 15 were off to pastures new and probably were thinking of the future too much.
We will win this time.
