Tony Smith regrets the dearth of tightly-contested clashes – Rugby League news
League-topper’s coach, Tony Smith reckons that the dearth of tightly fought matches may have added to the 24-26 outcome of the qualifying semi-final of Engage Super League on Friday, September 30, 2011 against Leeds Rhinos, at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Leeds led the clash within the initial spell of the game, as per their game plan shared by their skipper, Kevin Sinfield ahead of the game. Five minutes into the game a Try was scored by Carl Ablett, which was successfully converted by Rhino’s captain and
that point onwards there was no stopping for them, until they booked themselves the Grand final berth for the fourth time in five seasons.
Leeds had proved themselves better off by winning the tight clash which was still at a deadlock with 24-24 at the end of the regular time of the game. In order to settle the dispute, teams marched into the extra time, which did not take longer than two minutes,
as the hero of the clash, Sinfield booted the match winning try for his squad, which strangled the dreams of the Super League’s favourite team.
While speaking about the need to practise such rigorous clashes, Smith stated, “You don't get to practise them often so I think it has a bearing. We try to simulate some of those situations in training but it's not the same. I think it does affect you. The
more you play in those situations, the better you handle them. It was one of those games where we weren't sharp enough to get away like we normally do and not be caught. They are bitter and hard lessons but we will learn from them. We won't forget some of
that.”
Leeds were Warrington’s own pick for the semi-final under the ClubCall system. Smith never approved of this controversial system of choosing one’s own opponents but still showed no regrets over his choice.
While explaining what he regretted was the fact that they had to make a choice of their competitors of the match, which is a liability as per the ClubCall system. Their pick was the lowest ranked team, which seemed like the most likely option. This decision
became the fulcrum of public eye, when it was discussed by the coach last week.
While disapproving of the system introduced, Smith further added that from next time onwards he will just go ahead with the flip of the coin.
He acknowledged that the better team of the two has won. Leeds have created history with this victory, by being the only team on the fifth standing within the league ladder to book themselves the Grand final showdown, which will be staged at the Old Trafford.
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