ZP: All set for a grandstand finish ( Leeds v Quins SPOILER)
John Williams 27 April 2005 01:44:02
Leeds beat Quins 21-10 tonight, setting up a grand finish to the ZP this year, with all remaining games kicking off at 3.00 on Saturday:-
Bath v Leeds Gloucester v Saracens Harlequins v Sale Leicester v Wasps Newcastle v London Irish Worcester v Northampton
The chief thing to be decided is the bottom position, with relegation the result. The five bottom clubs are all at risk, and some very nervous fans are going to go through the turnstiles on Saturday.
With 6 HC spots up for grabs, there will be a fight for the fourth league place, which will guarantee a HC place regardless of whether Leeds get relegated or not. If Leeds stay up, then presumably 5th to 8th will go into the absurd "wild card" play-offs.
And the least important game of all (regarding trophies at any rate)? The 1 v 2 game which will merely allow a team to get into the playoff final direct, rather than being at home to the 3rd place team to win a final place.
And to think, if there weren't any relegation, the Leeds v Quins game this evening would have had a fraction of the interest it generated, and next Saturday would have interest for HC qualification only.
