2002 - Headline predictions

[Dog]

Souths run comes to an end as the Cowboys edge in on top eight
SYDNEY -12 August '02.
A little overyear ago if someone put forward such a notion that Souths would be falling short of a top eight berth, let alone be in the NRL, and alsothe Cowboys hot in the running for a top 8 spot, you would've have been the laughing stock of your mates (unless you were a Bunny-believer with a soft spot for the Cowboys).
This year however, the Bunnies almost made it, but justfour weeks from the finals they have dropped the bundle and arefour points too far out of contention. However, they did have some good fortune. Wins against Brisbane (42-12), Newcastle (50-4) and Parramatta (22-2) sparked added interest in the side and thecrowds didn't just fall away after Round 1 like many fans suggested. They have the highest crowd average in the league and look like they could seriously threaten the likes of the Bulldogs and Parramatta in '03.

The Cowboys on the other hand have had a superb season. They started off with 4 straight losses and the thoughts were for that pattern to continue for a fair amount of time. They have only lost one game since and are touted as top 4 possibilities if they win their remainingthree matches (they have an upcoming bye). The Cowboys are currently running in 7th behind, in order 1st to 6th, the Bulldogs, Parramatta, Cronulla, New Zealand, Newcastle, Sydney. Behind the Cowboys, Melbourne, the Dragons and Canberra are fighting for the last spot,a race Souths were still very much part of until their crushing defeat at the hands of the Eels at the weekend.

If the last 22 rounds have been anything to go by, the next 8 are going to be crack-a-jack material.

 

[ex-manager]

Vikings Show The Right Chemistry.

London, Sept 23.

Widnes are back in the big time, those were the words from a delighted coach Neil Kelly after his Vikings outfitsecured sixth place and a place in next weeks play-offs after their resounding 28-16 victory over the Halifax Blue Sox at Halton Stadium in front of 10,780 fans.

The Widnes faithfull have been treated to some enthralling football throughout the season which saw them push both Wigan and Bradford close on home soil, add to that some grinding away wins at Leeds and the the last two weeks at both Castleford and Wakefield. This has been a bumper season on and off the pitch, with an average of 9,104, Neil Kelly's words surely cannot be too wide of the mark. Maybe this isn't theold Chemicsof the late 80's early 90's vintage but who's to say the new look Widnes of the 21st century cannot emulate past glories.

Wigan secured the minor premiership just ahead of Bradfordthanks toa hard fought win over theLeeds Rhinos at the JJB on Friday night. Bradford lost in a tight encounter with Hull at the Boulevard. Leeds finished fourth with St Helens victory in London pushing them above the Rhinos in the final standings and edging the Broncos out of a play-off berth, with Hull taking the fifth position just ahead of Widnes.

Wakefield's 10 - 18 home defeat to Warrington condemns the Wildcats to relegation with Salford staying safe after a fine second half comeback at the Willows to take out Castleford 23 - 20.

Wigan will be slight favourites to take the SL crown just ahead of the Bulls in what should prove to be the most enthralling finals since the introduction of a play-off system.

Bradford with an average of 14,775 were the biggest crowd pullers just ahead of Leeds with 14,404.

 

[imported_Lord Ted]

GOVERNOR GENERAL RESIGNS.

Due to allegations that the G-G was more informed than initially publicised regarding the scandal at a private Anglican school, he has reluctantly forgone his position.
Etc,etc,etc.
The Australian community has decided that there is no spin acceptable on vicarious paedophilia.