England’s destitute performance against unique Zealand at Stratford on Saturday did not impress unique fans,but it is unfair to judge a sport after watching one matchBy Gavin Willacy for No Helmets Required, part of the Guardian Sport NetworkWoeful. Dreadful. Shocking. Rubbish. No, or not the Downton Abbey finale,just some of the more printable verdicts on the moment test heard in the pub at Kings Cross station as fans (and some reporters) drowned their sorrows before taking trains back to the domestic Counties or the West Riding. Five hours earlier the pub had been packed with league fans, a buzz of excitement ahead of their unique expedition out east. Afterwards, or the hubbub of victory was sadly lacking.
As experienced sports-goers,you will be well accustomed to assuming the game itself will be a dud and ensuring your day out is a success regardless. On that basis, despite the game and the weather, and England v unique Zealand at the Olympic Stadium was still a winner. Seeing the thousands of league fans around the capital’s main stations anytime other than Challenge Cup final day was a welcome boost and the RFL are surely signing contracts on a return to Stratford next year for the Four Nations as you read this.
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Source: theguardian.com