Jemmo wrote:
I agree entirely that that's how the game should be played...I just feel the rule allows/potentially encourages spoiling tactics, slowing down, taking less attacking options right from the off...particularly in less than perfect coniditions
Well it's an interesting point.........but how do you distinguish?
Slowing down, spoiling etc are not new and they are components in trying to win the game anyway...rather than being specific to accruing bonus points.
The 'conditions' thing might be more relevant from the point of view that sh/te conditions can be a leveller and keep scores down....and as a consequence clubs with a sh/te pitch where good play is less possible have an unfair advantage and are more able to pick up bonus points.
But I don't know if there is any evidence of that ....although Keighley and Dewsbury and Batley et al do spring to mind.
