By Leipziger
March 25 2017
The scoreline tells a big story. But I tried to make some sense of the game and here's what I came up with while on the Tube:
1) Starved of possession
I'd expect the possession stats from today's game to be 70-30 in Quins' favour, at least. Their forwards controlled the breakdown and the scrum, and their backs were largely error-free, so we couldn't get enough ball and when we did, we struggled to create momentum. It's all reflected on the scoreboard.
2) Quins' big game players fire
A few Falcons fans were nervous when Harlequins named a team packed with internationals, and they were proven right. Danny Care had a fantastic game, and Nick Evans, Jamie Roberts, James Horwill and Mat Loomanu were also brilliant. When you're up against so many top players on their game, things will be difficult.
3) No standout performers
On the flipside, I'm struggling to think of any Falcons players who had really good games today. I can think of a few who made some mistakes, but nobody stood out as having played well. I guess when we had such little ball, that's inevitable.
4) Top 6 probably too far away
With the Falcons now 11 points behind Quins in sixth, and only four games of the season left, it looks like our hopes of finishing in the top half of the table this season are over. Never mind, there's still higher places to play for and we'll approach 2017/18 with confidence.
5) Tomfoolery?
I thought referee Tom Foley had a good game today. I couldn't argue with either yellow card, and Foley let the game flow quite well. It didn't feel stop-start. A good show by the man in yellow and we don't often make a point of saying that.
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Quote:limpopo
All very true GF,but then I suppose all clubs have supporters that fall into the same category of placing their clubs, or players on high pedestals and taking sadistic pleasure in knocking them off.
Quote:GeordieFalcon
I think we need to avoid any knee jerk reactions aswell.
On the other thread its almost like they want Joel Hodgson hung drawn and quartered!
We got nailed by a quality side with lots of internationals. So did Bath by Saracens! It happens..! Get over it.
We've played well this season. We just need to put that aside, keep going and look forward to the new boys coming in, in the summer.
Lots of people on this site are pushing for
Champions cup etc and I think they're deluded!
Ive been very clear I don't think we're ready for that. From perennial bottom dwellers, we're pushing for about 7th spot and that would be a great achievement!!!
Next season we should be looking to try to win the 2nd tier European cup with the side we have...and really look to cement our position in the league next season.
Theres lots of fickle fans on here...who put the falcons on a pedestal when we win, but demand public floggings when we lose!
Quote:GeordieFalcon
Theres lots of fickle fans on here...who put the falcons on a pedestal when we win, but demand public floggings when we lose!
Quote:GeordieFalcon
But Falc,
On the other thread they're saying he's "not a prem quality player" etc etc.
I beg to differ. I have said many a time he has consistency issues and as you say confidence problems.
These need to be worked on and he'll be a fine premier player.
We're very much a work in progress as a team and we a
ll need to remember that.
As to the Champions cup. Yeah we would do well against some sides...but then I also think we'd get blown off the park by some sides.
I'd prefer to continue the solidification of our team, and prem mid table status and try to get to the final of the 2nd tier cup...
Im not being negative or anything...im a positive guy. I just like where we're heading this season and want to see it slowly continue...too quick might hurt us.