05/05/08 - A Kind of Magic?
I’m a dissenter when it comes to Millennium Magic. I don’t think it works. I don’t think a Hull derby is truly a Hull derby unless it’s played in Hull (or it’s a Cup Final – remember the 80s!).
So this year I stayed at home.
The defeat – more so, the circumstances surrounding the defeat – once again proved hard to take. But I took some (small) solace from the fact that having been proverbially kicked firmly in the nether regions in the last five minutes of our match, I wasn’t then faced with having to sit through an utterly boring game involving two teams from over the Pennines, only one of whom showed up, prior to enduring a 200 mile journey home. Good call not to go.
The Hull sides did their bit for the weekend by serving up a contest worthy of a derby (even if it wasn’t a real one) with the requisite levels of commitment and desire providing a tense, dramatic, low scoring affair.
But much of the rest of the weekend was hugely disappointing, notable only for the distinct lack of intensity – therefore the torrent of points – in most matches. Outside of Hull v Rovers and the closely fought Quins v Catalans contest, the other matches – including three so-called big derbies – all produced between 66 and 73 points. The seasonal average prior to the weekend was 44.
Some have blamed the slippery conditions as a result of the condensation created by the ridiculous decision to once again close the roof despite the fine weather, with playing unsure of their footing less able to adjust body position and effect tackles. That’s rubbish, but all the slipping around was as farcical this year as it was last. The lesson wasn’t learnt because the powers that be felt that an open roof would result in a lack of atmosphere in the mostly empty stadium. But let’s get real. There’s no atmosphere to speak of anyway. The players don’t feel the buzz or hear the roar of an expectant, demanding derby day crowd.
And that’s why, in my opinion, what should be big matches end up resembling training runs.
Aside from the ordinary matches on show, not everyone in the rugby league family can afford the trip, and with the football and union seasons both reaching their climax, it’s played at the wrong time of year to attract new fans. Oh, and taking everyone down there is bad for the environment.
In the words of Moloko (I think): bring it back.
