Unfair play-offs have no place in Championship
It WaS a magnificent, pulsating occasion — and it should never happen again. If there is any sporting justice, this year’s championship play- off final will be the last. the system is flawed.
Bristol have earned a return to the aviva Premiership and their promotion is the right outcome, via the wrong route. they won the league by 16 points, and that should have been more than enough to confirm their place in the elite. there was daylight between the West country club, who won 20 of their 22 regularseason games, and their nearest rivals but andy Robinson’s side still had to jump through hoops.
In front of a crowd of 16,084 at ashton Gate on Wednesday, they were beaten 34-32 by Doncaster but prevailed on aggregate after an emphatic first-leg victory a week earlier. the losing finalists produced a herculean performance on a fraction of their wealthy opponents’ budget. Doncaster were gloriously heroic, but the event itself is a fraud.
the play- offs have become a fixture in the Premiership and while the formula is still not universally embraced, it makes sense, as it helps negate the impact of test call-ups taking top players away from several clubs, on a number of weekends during the season.
In the case of the championship, there is no justification. It certainly generates interest and televised drama, but it simply isn’t fair. Over several months, Bristol proved they were the championship’s best side and that feat should not be trumped by two tense mid-week encounters. Having said that, the evidence of what occurred this week suggests that Robinson will need reinforcements in order to stay afloat in the Premiership.
conversely, Doncaster’s valiant efforts indicate that, with greater financial input from the RFU and sponsors, the championship can become increasingly competitive and vibrant. they reinforced the importance of the whole concept of promotion and relegation.
the door must stay open, but to the winners of the league, not as a contrived add- on which often encourages clubs to engage in shortterm, end-of-season recruitment.
anyway, Bristol have finally made it and their elevation is good news for the top division. ashton Gate will hold 27,000 when redevelopment work is complete and this traditional rugby stronghold should come out in massed support of their club.
the city and surrounding area have a vast network of junior and feeder clubs and Robinson also has a strong contingent from across the Severn Bridge, so the rise of the ‘ fifth region’ will benefit both England and Wales.