St Helens Openwater Swimming Society
Looking out from the top of Table Mountain
I liked it in May too. Split the season up nicely so there were must win games throughout. Also rewarded the side that started on fire rather than just the side that peaked late on. Also, we had a final when the weather was better and when all the other big events are on terrestrial TV so we shared status with the other big sports.
I like the fixtures for a few reasons, aside from the fortuitous Challenge Cup timings.
Mainly that if we're to be taken seriously, we're going to have to prove it consistently and games against Wire, Wigan and Hull in the first four weeks give us that chance. We'll know one way or another whether we have a real chance at the end of that period. Secondly, those 'tougher' games come at the start where we're on a decent run of form. Then, our final three represent 'easier' games, which should we have come through the first 4 well enough, will give us a good chance to build confidence going into the semis.
I'd like to see us come out of the first four with at least 4 points and good, competitive performances in all four. If we get battered at either Wigan or Wire, I fear the season's done with anyway. One thing is for sure though, those fixtures give us a massive chance of this season being meaningful, it's up to us to show we're up to it.
Finishing in the top four after all these extra games would be awful. I'd sooner see us slip to 6th or 7th, then something might be done to start sorting things out on and off the pitch.
Sorry - I don't understand how anyone would think that finishing in the Top 4 at the end would be "awful". I've been as unhappy as anyone with the stuff we've served up this year but if we end up as Champions I'll be very happy!! In any event, do you really think that finishing 6th or 7th would trigger a major shake up - there's no evidence to suggest that the Chairman would even think about it!
I'm just grateful that we're still in the mix considering some of the tripe we've served up this year
Yeah it would be truly awful to make the playoffs. Much better to pretend we're still in the middle of our slump so we have something to complain about.
The thought of competing for another championship makes me sick, I would hate Lomax, Roby, Percy etc to have any success in the red vee the wasters.