The equation is simple. If Exeter lose at Rotherham, the title is won, but even should the Chiefs win, Leeds only need to defeat Newbury to claim the crown. Having scored 89 points in the reverse fixture in Berkshire, and coming hot on the heels of Wednesday’s record score, Leeds will be red hot favourites to gain promotion back to the Guinness Premiership at some time this coming weekend.

Drawn games at Otley, and Plymouth, have been our visitors only reward on their travels this season, and they are one of the teams who will be relegated. However, but for the moving of the goal posts midway through the season, there is every chance they would be looking at another season at this level. Whether they would want to be part of a fully professional league is another matter, and as a club, the drop to the lower division may well enable them to continue to promote the game at a more sustainable level. One thing is certain, the away trips Leeds supporters hope to undertake next season will not have the ‘homely’ camaraderie this season has brought, and visits to these ‘proper’ rugby clubs will be missed.

However, we now live in the professional era, and sentiment has to be pushed aside if success is to be achieved, and all eyes at Leeds are now firmly on promotion, and seeking to become established in the top tier.

Every player who is fit will want to feature this weekend, and stake their claim to one of the 22 jerseys to be worn at Twickenham the following Saturday. Wednesday’s team laid down a marker, and one or two players who maybe considered themselves certainties for a game at HQ now have something to think about. I wouldn’t even like to guess the 22 who will be given the chance to ‘deliver’ the prize this week, but it is a certainty they will be straining at the leash as they strive to earn  their place in the Trophy Final team. I am going for another big win on Sunday, and would not be in the least surprised to see a 70 point plus winning margin for Leeds.

It is Leeds’ last home game of the season and for the players who are leaving, the last chance for them to show the fans what we will be missing. Although only James Brooks is confirmed as leaving, I honestly believe that any player who did not feature on Wednesday, or is not selected for Sunday or at Twickenham, unless they are injured, has probably played their last game in a Leeds shirt.

If that is the case, then good luck to you all, and if we get the chance, I am sure the supporters will say a collective thank you for all your efforts, and taking us to where we are.

Let’s get behind the lads for this final home game, and just after half past four, let the first half of the party begin. If we have enough to drink, then hopefully by the following Saturday, we’ll all be seeing double.

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