Match 27: Batley Bulldogs (Home) Championship Shield
fevnut's musings
What a trip!
Despite being a passionate Fev fan,
as it became clear that Toronto would be in the Championship this year, we
thought that it would be an away match that we would have to miss out on. But
then the fixtures were published and the game in Toronto was due for the day
after fevnut’s birthday. Bearing in mind that he is now in his 70s and that he
had always wanted to see the Niagara Falls we did decide to go - to see the
Falls on his birthday and then the match the following day. Who would have
thought that it would be rugby league that finally got us there!
Was the trip worth it? You bet it
was. We drove to Niagara in a hire car, passing through an area called ‘Vineland’
which is a major wine producing area. As you drive along the motorway, the
vineyards are listed on signs at the side of the road. One sign almost caused
an accident as we lost concentration and had to look twice to make sure we were
seeing correctly: The Featherstone Vinery!
We once wrote a piece comparing Fev
with the French club Pia. Two little communities that have had great success in
rugby league. The article ended by pointing out that the biggest difference
between Fev and Pia is that Fev don’t have a vineyard down one side of the
pitch!
It was a wonderful experience seeing
the Niagara Falls and having a shower in their spray on the boat trip.
Back to Toronto and the following
day we arrived at Lamport Stadium with no great expectation. We got a warm
welcome and I can report that the friendliness of the Toronto fans was amazing.
In all the years I have been attending matches I’ve never felt so welcome at an
away match. Then, the unbelievable. Fev played brilliantly. It’s a long time
since we’ve seen them put in an eighty minute performance like that. So
the birthday trip combined seeing the Falls together with watching Fev become
the first team ever to win in Toronto in the company of such lovely people. Ian
Hardman’s marshalling of the defence was incredible. The goal line tackling was
incredible. But our man of the match was John Davies - what a performance he
gave.
If Toronto do manage to get promoted
via the Qualifiers we would advise SL fans to make the trip if at all possible.
You won’t regret it!
And the day after we drove back
along the motorway and found the Featherstone Vinery. Came home with a couple
of bottles which are put aside for a future suitable occasion!
Missing Out
So near to the qualifiers but just missed out. It’s amazing that
only one point separated sixth place from second this year. There are so many
‘if only’ thoughts but it’s the same for the others as well. A financial blow
to the club but no need for recriminations or wild talk on social media. And
every cloud has a silver lining! Quite honestly the end of season matches in
the qualifiers for the last two years were so depressing. At least this year we
get four matches at home that we should win and we are already through to the
Championship Final whatever the results. We still have something to play for
though in order to get that final to the LD Nutrition Stadium which probably is
dependent on beating Leigh in a fortnight. And we can actually add to Fev’s
Trophy list.
Oh well …
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