So defeat at Widnes gets you here. Hull KR's win at defending GF champions
Dewsbury last week throws up what will be an intriguing encounter at
Spotland this Sunday.According to a very good source, they simply bludgeoned the Rams to defeat last week, their huge pack - and equally huge replacements - eventually taking its toll on Dewsbury's narrow pitch.
On their last visit here, Robins' supporters were heard bemoaning the size of our field and how they struggled to cover it sufficiently. This time they'll be aware of what awaits them and Gary Wilkinson will have both team and club fired up for their shot at taking the glory days (back) to Craven Park.
But this Hornets side is a sterner proposition than previous incarnations.
But for a couple of rushes of blood, some injudicious refereeing and 80
yards of kicking genius, Hornets proved last week that they were more than a
match for a club with very serious Superleague pretentions. This week,
Martin Hall will have been drumming into his charges the joint importance of
respecting possession and keping your mouth shut. Both these crimes cost us
yards, posession, points and the game at the Autoquest. Avoiding a repeat
performance will be high on Hally's priorities list.
It's interesting how continued participation in the playoffs brings the agony of expectation. Both Robins and Hornets fans will have been delighted to have got in there in the first place, but now the prize is in sight, both groups will want more. Every additional minute played in this competition is a bonus on top of the season - and every team left in it is capable of creating an upset and going all the way. Gary Wilkinson may have said after the Rams game, "We're under no pressure, we're playing for enjoyment, we'll see how we go" - but I'm sure he'd be much happier leaving Spotland with a win than glorious defeat. As would we.
Hornets just need to play the relaxed, expansive game that's seen us home plenty of times in the regular season. We failed too often at Widnes to get the ball into the areas where we can hurt teams - depending too much at times on individual efforts and then reacting to the outcome rather than working harder on the build up.
Enough of the analysis - Sunday's really is a game to look forward to. We tip up week in, week out in the hope that our faith will be rewarded. Rain soaked trips to Cumbria, hideous defeats against no more than pub sides, thwarted optimism - it's all investement that we know will someday pay us back tenfold. Victory on Sunday will set up a game of such magnitude that I dare not mention its name. As always, you have a part to play in helping Hornets continue 2001's unbelievable season. The supporters were tremendous at Widnes and we all get to have another go on Sunday. Your presence counts - together, we can all win.
Get there early, it'll be yet another belter.