Re: Challenge Cup Final : Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:22 am  

shinymcshine wrote:

You mean 4-0 up, you never know, he might of missed a straight forward conversion....

Nah, he's a really good kicker, especially in front of goal
Were there any Saints fans at the game ? they were very quiet all game. Never heard them shouting Coooote all afternoon.

[PopTart]

Re: Challenge Cup Final : Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:42 am  

Newbridge_Wolf wrote:

Not long back. Good day and fair play Wire. Saints bottled it big time, but Warrington really managed the game well.

Few thoughts, whilst the attendance remains an issue, there did seem a lot more neutral shirts around than I’ve seen in a few years, don’t know if anyone else thought that?

Also, I just wonder if the whole structure of the occasion needs a refresh. It struck me whilst listening to abide with me and to a certain extent the national anthem as well, they both seemed really outdated in this day and age. Abide with me especially used to be a real highlight in years gone by, but didn’t do it at all for me today, no one paying attention in a half empty ground, so don’t know what it does for kids or younger fans.

For the first time as well, I also felt I wouldn’t be entirely opposed to a move away from Wembley. It’s such a lifeless place, even when full, let alone with 30,000 empty seats. Maybe limiting the crowd to 60,000 at Arsenal/Spurs would bring back a bit of prestige with a full house and tickets a bit more scarce.

Don't agree on either point.
Abide With Me is a tradition very worth keeping.
Sung loud and proud around me.

Wembley is the pinnacle. Let's just work on filling it.

Re: Challenge Cup Final : Sun Aug 25, 2019 8:14 am  

wrencat1873 wrote:

We have a sport, played by some of the greatest athletes on the planet, full of power ,pace and skill.
.

Yes but most games are boring these days - formulaic play. Players may be quicker and stronger than in the past but with very few exceptions it’s played by players of average ability. Watch the video of 1966 Saints and compare the quality of player and goalkicking, then to now. It’s sad to see how the sport has declined with less people playing in traditional RL towns and lack of world class sporting talent from other sports. The final yesterday was poor in my view, not helped by dire refereeing in the first 15 minutes. The second game’s first half was way better before Widnes completely fell away.

Re: Challenge Cup Final : Sun Aug 25, 2019 8:26 am  

I think a large part of lower attendances is playing it on the August Bank Holiday weekend when people are under pressure to do things with the family. Also it’s the time of year when most families take holidays and are either away or broke after getting back.

Re: Challenge Cup Final : Sun Aug 25, 2019 8:55 am  

Mash Butty wrote:

watching those men in warrington shirts scrambling up some stairs that sharply reminds me of something....

You need to install a stairlift?

[Fantastic Mr Catpiss]

Re: Challenge Cup Final : Sun Aug 25, 2019 9:05 am  

Has anyone seen as108 or lebrunne this weekend?

Re: Challenge Cup Final : Sun Aug 25, 2019 9:08 am  

Fantastic Mr Catpiss wrote:

Has anyone seen as108 or lebrunne this weekend?

Have you tried scouring the Lake District?

Re: Challenge Cup Final : Sun Aug 25, 2019 9:14 am  

Newbridge_Wolf wrote:

Not long back. Good day and fair play Wire. Saints bottled it big time, but Warrington really managed the game well.

Few thoughts, whilst the attendance remains an issue, there did seem a lot more neutral shirts around than I’ve seen in a few years, don’t know if anyone else thought that?

Also, I just wonder if the whole structure of the occasion needs a refresh. It struck me whilst listening to abide with me and to a certain extent the national anthem as well, they both seemed really outdated in this day and age. Abide with me especially used to be a real highlight in years gone by, but didn’t do it at all for me today, no one paying attention in a half empty ground, so don’t know what it does for kids or younger fans.

For the first time as well, I also felt I wouldn’t be entirely opposed to a move away from Wembley. It’s such a lifeless place, even when full, let alone with 30,000 empty seats. Maybe limiting the crowd to 60,000 at Arsenal/Spurs would bring back a bit of prestige with a full house and tickets a bit more scarce.

I don't think the new Wembley has the same appeal as the old Wembley. August BH weekend is also a terrible date to have it with so many other things going on. I know in Halifax there used to be a lot of trips from various amateur teams, social clubs, pubs etc. I only knew of 1 this year.

Re: Challenge Cup Final : Sun Aug 25, 2019 9:22 am  

Newbridge_Wolf wrote:

Not long back. Good day and fair play Wire. Saints bottled it big time, but Warrington really managed the game well.

Few thoughts, whilst the attendance remains an issue, there did seem a lot more neutral shirts around than I’ve seen in a few years, don’t know if anyone else thought that?

Also, I just wonder if the whole structure of the occasion needs a refresh. It struck me whilst listening to abide with me and to a certain extent the national anthem as well, they both seemed really outdated in this day and age. Abide with me especially used to be a real highlight in years gone by, but didn’t do it at all for me today, no one paying attention in a half empty ground, so don’t know what it does for kids or younger fans.

For the first time as well, I also felt I wouldn’t be entirely opposed to a move away from Wembley. It’s such a lifeless place, even when full, let alone with 30,000 empty seats. Maybe limiting the crowd to 60,000 at Arsenal/Spurs would bring back a bit of prestige with a full house and tickets a bit more scarce.

I think if you aim low you just get lower. Playing semi finals in smaller and smaller stadia in the early 2000s did not boost attendances.

Rugby Union makes its traditions part of its appeal, you don't attract new fans by ripping up your history. It's a bit like the church of England trying to grow its congregations by installing helter skelters.

Real saints fans (not Internet trolls) have been posting regularly and congratulating Warrington. Most don't frequent this forum but if you look at redvee you will see most of us can see that in big games since 2014 we are chokers.

Re: Challenge Cup Final : Sun Aug 25, 2019 9:40 am  

I get why people mention tradition and the old Wembley then yes it should never be moved but this new place is soulless and I know they’ve signed yet another contract for the place but crowds are dwindling and it looks shocking on tv and being there.

It’s time to wake up and move it say to Cardiff say for 25 years and have done with it