SS,

What I actually said is that I didn't believe that the points difference would not matter come the end of the regular season. With Leigh and Fev playing each other three times one team was always going to have at least one more win that the other, so in all likelihood "points difference" was unlikely to separate the teams in terms of league positions.
Fact of the matter is that come the final in the playoffs then the points that the two finalist have amassed in the season to that point will be immaterial and all that will matter is the score at the end of those 80 minutes. Though I can't see anything other than Leigh getting back into SL at this point in time.

Fev are on course to break the 1,000 mark in the points scored column too (though probably not in the points difference one). FG you are right to point to a one off game, and again right in thinking that Leigh have the edge at present. But there are plenty of worriters amongst the Leigh fans - not just Bongser, Vanners and the latter's unhatched chickens. S'pose we'll see in due course.

Should be a comfy home victory for your boys this Sunday. It is however to be hoped that there is no heat exhaustion suffered by any player from any side.

Fevgrinder, you are absolutely correct. In the play off final, its down to 80 minutes of rugby, two teams of 13 on the pitch, one against the other. One team wins by a point and promotion is theirs. For all Leigh's dominance against Fev this season no one on this site can guarantee the result and that it will be Leigh that is promoted.

Yet, the position is more nuanced than that.

Points difference counts for everything or, rather, it could have counted for an awful lot. It has been a close affair for most of the season for the top spot in the Championship. It is only in the last few weeks that Leigh have opened a gap over Fev that I cannot see Fev closing. Top spot guarantees home venue for the play-off final for the winners of the semi's.

Let's just imagine that it is Leigh and Fev in the final. As things stand the final is at LSV rather than at Fev's quaint ground where they are masters of the surface, slope, elements etc. I was there in February when we got trounced. I have been there numerous times in the past when the same thing has happened. To be quite frank, I would not like the final, with everything at stake, to be anywhere near Fev's ground.

Given the final is to be played at a time of year when the weather cannot be guaranteed it is, in my opinion, crucial that Leigh play that game at the LSV since the superb ground will take some of the weather vagaries ie mud, wind, out of the equation. It will be its usual billiard table quality. Its flat and big and suits fast, top of the ground rugby - it suits Leigh's style of play. It also takes away any advantage that Fev would have enjoyed had they played it at their ground. This is why the points difference was so crucial. As it is, it will not matter because Leigh have pulled away and the teams will not finish the regular season on the same number of points but had they done so ,as it seemed to be be the case for so long, then it would have been very important indeed.

Secondly, the final will not be won simply because Leigh have beaten Fev 3 times already this season. Yet it is wrong to think that Leigh's dominance over Fev doesn't count in a one off game. Of course it does. It counts for a lot. Why, because Fev players know, from those defeats, that they have been second best. Lots of rubbish is spoken about 'learning from defeats' and 'taking positives from defeats' but, I think that is just sports psychobabble (can I say on this site because that is more accurately the word that I wanted to use to make the point).

Fev players will go in to this, imagined for one moment, play-off final knowing, deep deep down in the recesses of their minds that the same thing is likely to happen again. Sure, it does not guarantee that the same result will happen but being second best does not inspire a confidence and self belief in a player that previous results mean, in reality, that you are actually better than the team that has been beating you in the past 3 outings.

Sporting history is full of red hot favourites that did not win. The contributors and Leigh Fans on this site are not stupid. We know that Leigh are only one really bad game, one sending off, one bad refereeing decision, one cruel bounce of the ball from everything that has gone before this season counting for nowt. But Leigh will be playing at the LSV and will have a psychological advantage. Usually, usually, red hot favourites win and for my money Leigh this season are as near as damn it red hot favourites and, they will beat Fev, if both teams get to the final.

Fev fans, and I have seen and read their arguments on their site, are holding out for key players returning from injury, the weather/pitch being more of a leveller, the games against Leigh being closer in reality than scorelines have suggested (I'm tempted to use a previous word again!) and the shaman like quality and winning history of their coach in a one off, winner takes all game, means that Fev have every chance of success in a final against Leigh.

If I was a Fev fan i would probably be saying this as well but, if I was, then I would also know that I was clutching at straws. Everything that I have seen this season about the development of the Leigh squad and the steady progression of style of play and the obvious camaraderie amongst a tight knit squad and coaching team points to only one winner in the play-off final.

Let's not be shy about saying what we think! It is not tempting fate to say that Leigh will win.

With regard to my posting immediately before this one I refer to using a word. The word appears in the posting as 'rubbish'.

Just to clarify, I did not type or use the word 'rubbish'. I was a bit more colloquial than that!.

Hopefully you can all guess the actual word that I used.

Seems like there is some form of censorship in place - shame

Good heavens Jack. I’ve been ignoring my backyard chicken’s egg boxes for weeks now and you’ve gone and said it !
In all seriousness though, it is hard to argue against all you say.
Especially how important point difference could have been. I would not be confident of a win at Fev, I am more comfortable should we be at the LSV.

To Chayders:

Infamous Prediction League? Maybe but only if there were to be a quorum of tipsters - many of the previous contestants are conspicuous by their absence from these threads.

Went on the less verbose Superleigh Predictor last night (sporadically remember to do so). Today's prediction 10-54. It's a little cooler today and I'm guessing there'll be water breaks around the 20 minute mark in each half. It happened in the Brentford v Utd match yesterday (first half watched in The Egerton with Oirish Mick - and very potty-mouthed he was!)

To Jack:

Had you been around at the time and read the prediction league thread, you'd already know all about automated moderation. Once used the original Danish spelling of the king we dub Canute. It was, when posted, auto-moderated to "Spiffing Chap".

One poster used to add a letter I to the word that you tried to use and the resultant branch of Islam slipped past AM. However, bearing in mind what recently befell Salman Rushdie, Bongser would not advocate doing things that way.

Instead take a word from Oirish Mick's potty - "shoite" is fine!

Well, that’s the thousand up. So far ‘planes have not been dropping Icarus like from the sky. We wait under the sword of Damocles (and in Bongser's case under the kitchen table) until the league tables update just before 5pm.

Phew!

While I agree that Leigh are not guaranteed promotion (just remember the Catalans millionaire game at the LSV, when we were odds on favourites), why is everyone assuming it will be Featherstone in the final? Their form of the last month does not indicate they will get past Halifax who are their most likely opponents in the semi final, and should have won the league game at Fev. earlier this season.

I think it could be either Fax or Barrow and that's not saying that we couldn't slip up.

Agreed that it may not be Fev (or even us though far more likely).
I fancy Fax, Barrow and Batley at their best, could get a win over Fev.

I personally think Batley seem spent now.

Fev themselves, by all reports, seem to be getting their heads back in the game, maybe this the Brian McD storm in form to a final.

This weekend seeing Fev travel to Barrow will be an interesting one to mull over.

There is a definite change of tune coming out of a certain pit village in West Yorkshire at the moment.

Fan's of that village's rugby club are getting a lot chirpier all of a sudden. They are beginning to believe that fortune, and by implication, prospects of success against Leigh in a play off final are improving..

They believe that they are suddenly playing better and that key players who have been out injured are gradually returning to fitness at just the right time in the season. In Ford, they believe that they have at last found the maverick half back to unlock Leigh's normally watertight defence. They are also expressing the view that they think that Leigh have peaked too soon form wise.

For my money there will be two things in particular to look out for in their game against Barrow at the weekend which, for me, will confirm or deny Yorkie grounds for optimism.

Firstly, the result. Barrow are good and dangerous opponents and are playing at home. It will be a good result for Fev if they win.

Secondly, the number of points that they concede. Barrow are a threat in attack so it will be a real test of whether Fev's season long defensive shortcomings have finally been fixed.

If Barrow win and/or Fev concede more than 20 points then I think that the perceived remarkable turnaround in form and prospects is just another false dawn.

Conversely, a win for Fev and a virtual shut out in defence and then they might, just might, be on course to give us more of a game, if both teams compete the play-off final.

Best not to worry about what tuthers are doing. I think we are good hands with Adrian and Chris. If we bring our 'A' game to the 2 playoff games i can only see one outcome and all is leythers would be very happy. Complacency could be a problem but as i say i think that Adrian and Chris are far too smart for that. Probably the biggest decision if both are fit will be who plays stand off.

Yes, Jack, Bongser too noticed the accelerando beat on Fev's forum. Ford had a good game - against all but relegated Dewsbury - suddenly they, with Kheirallah out for the season, think that they have a mast on which to pin their colours. Kopczak's back, others in the offing. Whoopy-ding as a Scots ex-girlfriend used to say.

On the obverse side of the coin, Nene will be back, rested with by then three games under his belt for match fitness, haven't heard Ben R is long term, Amone is already back, Ferguson will have served his head injury probation, who knows with Green, and business end of the season (peaking too early) Leigh nilled a full time team by 60 on the oppo's own midden on Sunday.

Nothing is a given in a one off, but Bongser is guessing "tails".



Sorry, Vanners!

Well it is time to say it I guess.
I truly believe that we will need to have the off day of all off days to not win the two playoff games.
Fev will be getting a couple back but without Kheirallah, I honestly think they don’t have the X factor to break us down. Ford has an above average kicking game but they have to get us under pressure on a repeated basis for that to work. With the likes of Fergy, Nene, Chamberlain and Charnley etc to defend it, no matter what, that will not work. I also think that they don’t have the forwards to put Ford in that position enough to kick on the last, no matter who is back or not back. Our pack is stronger, end of !
This weekend will be very interesting with regards to the Fev result, and I think they will be run close or even beaten, but regardless I believe we have them in a one off game.
Time to count my eggs !
Re who plays 6, LL will be firing on all cylinders by the playoffs, and is a force to be reckoned with. He would be my first choice BUT I’ve already said that BR has had the best season I’ve seen him play. So either way I’m confident in who plays 6.

BnB.
Please check your messages.
Cheers
Paul

So, the debate has started as to who plays at half back in the play-offs.

Mellor plays for me every time. He has been a standout performer all season. I will brook no argument here. Mellor plays.

Reynolds or Lam (junior) at stand off? Ben has played his best season yet for Leigh and to my eyes has improved his game. Lam hints at something special but is clearly, at the moment, still getting a feel for the plays and with his teammates' abilities.

Fate has shown its cruel hand here, literally for Ben. His injury has conveniently allowed Lam to get into the team and to perhaps play more minutes than he would otherwise might have expected to get. Whilst he looked clunky at times against Barrow he again showed touches of real class at times against Newcastle. The try he set up for Joe Wardle was a perfect example. The glide and acceleration into space that nanno seconds before did not appear to exist showed an awareness and athleticism and all round spatial awareness that reminded this old specatator - yes, humour me please on this - with a certain Leigh Great of a bygone era who also played stand-off.

Fleeting moment it was but it showed a glimpse of what i think we can begin to expect on a more regular basis.

Due to Ben's injury Lam has time to bed himself in before the play-offs. If he continues to improve then he plays. It would also be a huge surprise if Lam, who has been signed to come to play for us in Super League did not make the play off final selection. Tough one to call but that is what I think, for what it is worth.

The other point to make is that I do not think we can afford the luxury in a play off final having both Lam and Reynolds in the same match day squad. We have to be brave in selection and that will be unfortunate for one player or the other. The other positions in the squad are needed for interchanges elsewhere.

My final observation is on a different matter altogether. James McDonnell - well played and thank you. Your part in what will hopefully be one of our most enjoyable and successful seasons ever will not be forgotten. Good luck on your future career, except for when you play against Leigh, of course, and, who knows, you might just end up back with us again at some point. If you do, then I for one will be glad to see you back.

woody

Jack, Bongser will give you no argument on Joe Mellor, MUST start if fit. As to stand off, would be equally happy to see Ben or Lachlan depending on whether Ben has had some game time in the interim. If he has, well, a stinker for a Dad but Adrian seems the ultimate pro and will play the one that best fits the game plan for whoever the opposition turn out to be (

). Pretty sure Vancouver Leyther fancies Lam (not in a Corey Norman sort of way). Will actually meet Vanners for the first time before the York game as he is over from Canada. Looking forward to it.

Also agree that they cannot be in the same 17. We need a second hooker and three other forwards on the bench. Think Asiata will fill in as an emergency half. He and Amone are also musts.

What's the story on Aekins, anyone?

Lam senior has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal and a good few players will be disappointed but they all seem to be mates (think Kieran Dixon - out on loan and unlikely to play in C&W again - was to be seen banging the cajon a few games ago.) Good management!

In the interim we must beat York next and make it 22!

Sendhimoffref - yes, The Great John Woods

Bongser, according to Lam senior in the York pre-match interview, Aekins is back in contention for selection this weekend along with Fergie.

If you are hinting at another story, then sorry, I'm not up to speed on anything else.

Quote ="Bent&Bongser"Jack, Bongser will give you no argument on Joe Mellor, MUST start if fit. As to stand off, would be equally happy to see Ben or Lachlan depending on whether Ben has had some game time in the interim. If he has, well, a stinker for a Dad but Adrian seems the ultimate pro and will play the one that best fits the game plan for whoever the opposition turn out to be ( ). Pretty sure Vancouver Leyther fancies Lam (not in a Corey Norman sort of way). Will actually meet Vanners for the first time before the York game as he is over from Canada. Looking forward to it. Also agree that they cannot be in the same 17. We need a second hooker and three other forwards on the bench. Think Asiata will fill in as an emergency half. He and Amone are also musts. What's the story on Aekins, anyone? Lam senior has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal and a good few players will be disappointed but they all seem to be mates (think Kieran Dixon - out on loan and unlikely to play in C&W again - was to be seen banging the cajon a few games ago.) Good management! In the interim we must beat York next and make it 22!'" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQk_T1lQrR8

Quote ="Bent&Bongser"Jack, Bongser will give you no argument on Joe Mellor, MUST start if fit. As to stand off, would be equally happy to see Ben or Lachlan depending on whether Ben has had some game time in the interim. If he has, well, a stinker for a Dad but Adrian seems the ultimate pro and will play the one that best fits the game plan for whoever the opposition turn out to be ( ). Pretty sure Vancouver Leyther fancies Lam (not in a Corey Norman sort of way). Will actually meet Vanners for the first time before the York game as he is over from Canada. Looking forward to it. Also agree that they cannot be in the same 17. We need a second hooker and three other forwards on the bench. Think Asiata will fill in as an emergency half. He and Amone are also musts. What's the story on Aekins, anyone? Lam senior has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal and a good few players will be disappointed but they all seem to be mates (think Kieran Dixon - out on loan and unlikely to play in C&W again - was to be seen banging the cajon a few games ago.) Good management! In the interim we must beat York next and make it 22!'" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQk_T1lQrR8

The smoke signals emanating from the Leigh area, are that Aekins and O'Donnell are both homesick and wish to return home. Certainly backed up by the Bevan French (At Fullback attempt) or Gareth O'Brien rumours.

Sad to see a chunk of these players disappearing, not for once because they are no longer required, but to meet the Super League criteria.

Just listened to the Lammy pre-match interview, and would like to concur with the James McDonnell comments made by Jack G.

- Mellor, first on the sheet at halfback.
- I am indeed a Lachlan Lam fan, but he needs to be at his best and fully up to speed, or Ben is the man. Funny thing about the John Woods comparison, I was in The Hawk pub 2 nights ago off Poolstock Lane, talking with an old Pie Eater about rugby and he asked me about LL. My comparison for him was JW, in his ability to subtly change direction and speed, and ghost through a gap that didn’t seem to be there.
- I also agree that we need 3 forwards and a hooker on the bench.
- All the above is said with the proviso that the only thing I truly know about rugby is, I’m no coach, so all of it could be total b@llocks, as you will find out very soon Bongser !