fevnut's musings
We
went to Toulouse to lose
Just try
saying that if you’ve had too much to drink! Despite the result it was a great
trip and there was great support at the ground from the huge contingent of Fev
fans who travelled. We all had a great time.
The match
was a somewhat dour, defence dominated, game but we did well, especially
bearing in mind that Toulouse had scored 46 points against the Wolfpack less
than a month ago. We simply lacked the cutting edge in attack. Even when we managed
to get into their 20 metre zone we rarely looked likely to get over the
tryline. We really missed Thompson Teteh.
As usual
Johnathon Ford was masterly in organising the Toulouse team and his kicking had
us pinned back time and time again. He
forced us to take drop-outs from under the sticks no less than 5 times in the
first 16 minutes of the game and in total we had to drop-out on seven
occasions. We can’t ever recall as many drop-outs forced upon us.
The anti-foreigners brigade
In recent weeks there has been a
spate of letters in the Rugby League papers arguing against allowing foreign
teams into the ‘English’ league structure. Most often the main reason given is
the effect on attendances when Toronto, Toulouse and Catalans are playing away
games. The people writing those letters haven’t bothered to actually check the
facts. Of course it is true that very few travel from France or Canada for
games in England but more often than not it is made up for by the number of
English fans who are interested in seeing these teams playing.
Do you know what the highest
attendance was at the LD Nutrition stadium last year? It was 3,131. Do you know
who our opponents were? It was Toronto Wolfpack! The attendance for our home
game against Toulouse was just over 2,000 but that was higher than our
Championship games against Dewsbury, Barrow and Rochdale and higher than the
Championship Shield games against Dewsbury, Batley and Barrow.
We have no doubt that the
incorporation of these ‘foreign’ teams into our competition has huge benefits
for the development of rugby league in the northern hemisphere.
There are other sports where good
marketing brings in large numbers of home fans in situations where the
travelling distances to away matches is prohibitive. Take the case of Seattle
Seahawks in the NFL. Their matches against the New York teams would involve a six
and a half hour flight to cover the 2,500 miles.
Wonderful
Opportunities
There is no way that
fevnut can afford regular long distance trips. But last year we saved up so
that we could go to Toronto and that was a fantastic trip. Aside from the match
we went to Niagara Falls, we discovered the Featherstone Winery near Niagara and
had a great time exploring Toronto. Last week we went to Toulouse (this year’s holiday) and explored Toulouse and had
some fabulous food in the Place du Capitole.
We have been to Perpignan
several times because a school friend lives there. It’s a wonderful place to
visit with stunning scenery nearby. We know that many super league supporters
look forward to annual trips over there and love it. It’s just a pity that some
are missing out on what Perpignan and its surroundings have to offer because
they stay over the border on the Costa Brava.
Reserves
matches
Just before we departed
for Toulouse we were fortunate to attend a fantastic match between Fev reserves
and Wakefield reserves. What a pity that more Fev supporters went to Toulouse
than attended that game. As all the Reserves matches are in Yorkshire there is
never that far to travel even when we are away. We can’t stress enough how much
our youngsters deserve your support and the rugby on offer is the most
incredible value for money. Come on Fev fans - get behind our young players and
see those who may one day provide the backbone of our first team.
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