Terriers or Hamsters?

By BrianC
March 2 2005

The last time we reached a Powergen semi-final was in the season before last, Sunday the second of March to be specific, when we took on Northampton Saints at the Kassam Stadium.

For us it turned out to be  a miserable affair. The 9 – 38 pasting we took at the hands of Northampton Saints only served to underline what a poor season we were then having. One in which we only ultimately avoided relegation on the last day.

Despite all the gripes this season, by comparison with then we are going into this semi in a much healthier position that we did the last time. Whist we are not clear from the relegation zone we would generally be regarded as outsiders for the drop. Crucially, whilst we have lost most of our recent games, our performances do appear to be improving.

Our opponents, Leeds Tykes, on the other hand appear to be struggling. They currently find themselves bottom of the Zurich Premiership with a tough run in ahead and are now odds on favorites to end up bottom of the table come the end of the season. They can however console themselves with the fact that their league position has no bearing on the Powergen Cup and in the knowledge that they have beaten us twice already this season. In October they beat us 12 – 16 at the Madejski and only five weeks ago by 16 – 5 at a rain sodden Headingley.

Due to a combination of Saturdays North vs. South game and the demands of television that the more glamorous semi final between Bath and Gloucester be the later scheduled one, this game has been scheduled for a 12.15 kick off.. This is particularly cruel for the away supporters and means that the numbers traveling will be small.  Indeed the total crowd is likely to be somewhat of an embarrassment given the stage of the tournament.

Leeds play, particularly in this latter part of the season, has been very forwards dominated. A combination of injury and International call ups caused them to be scouring the country for front row players last week.  With no Six Nations this weekend the call ups will not be so much of an issue but their injury woes continue.

Match aside, one particular encounter I’m looking forward to again is that between our supporters and the Leeds mascot, Terry the Hamster. On a miserable Friday night in January it was one of the few bright spots. Let’s hope we have more to cheer about on field this visit.