The Home Straight
By Dragons' Den
March 18 2014
With only five games to go and barring total meltdown, the top four looks pretty settled and with Welsh having no further interest in the B&I Cup, and the Witney story having been put to bed, there really is only one thing to concentrate on, The playoffs.
The current top four have pretty much stood head and shoulders above the rest all season and now we approach the crunch time of the season who is in the best position to secure promotion?
Bristol have pushed themselves forwards as self promoted favourites and have confidently recruited some very high profile signings in anticipation of next season, whilst London Welsh have hardly been idle in the transfer market, with all of their signings being available to play immediately and a few rumours abound that there may be others who although not actually on the payroll, may have been registered before the February transfer deadline.
With Justin Burnell having built such a tight knit team, some have questioned whether introducing new faces so late in the season might have a negative effect whilst it is clearly obvious that last minute injuries without cover could have a serious effect on any clubs title aspirations.
Also word on the streets is that several key players have commited for next year regardless of league status and that together, with Justing Burnell extending his contract, can only further indicate the depth of goodwill and harmony surrounding the playing staff.
The new signings that have already played have seemed to settle in well and winning ways have continued on the pitch.
Obviously even at this late stage in the season , nothing is to be taken for granted, but what are your views on the new signings, Welsh's and the other contenders chances, the playoffs and the final run in in general.
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Leeds didn't look that great when we played them and we are in much better form now
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
"Bristol have pushed themselves forwards as self promoted favourites and have confidently recruited some very high profile signings in anticipation of next season"
Bris don't consider themselves favourites and haven't promoted themselves as such. They have a stated long term plan to put together as near a Prem standard side as they can, to compete with any relegated team. That doesn't suggest they expect to be in the Prem next season.
From everything I hear, Welsh are favourites. But I stll think it wil be Leeds.
Agree about Leeds , they will a real threat in the play offs.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:19:09:48:45 by X~Pat.
What Bristol have made no secret of is the desire to achieve promotion. I don't see what is wrong with that. Of course lazy reporting turned that into 'expect' promotion. And of course that's all most people pick up on. Just as we are labelled as 'fallen giants', 'big-spending' and , yes, 'favourites'
None of which have anything to do with what the clubs has said or how it behaves.
Back to the rugby, the best side I've seen all season was Leeds without a doubt.
An interesting few months await us all .
Rugby is a game of 80 mins(160 in playoffs) and last year Welsh did better than expected (come on wuss not winning a game is embarrassing not only for the club but the league!)and that exp last year ,imo,will give Welsh the edge in the last 4 games.
come the play-offs. C'MON YOU WELSH! PADDYTAF.
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
What I see in LW is a team that can grind out a win. If I were a neutral I would put money on you guys. I Hope i'm wrong.