dont watch this

My take on the evening (as posted on the TV thread in "The Sin Bin"icon_wink.gif

Quote: The Sin Bin "Can't believe no one has commented on Rugby League Night on BBC4 t'other night!

The Eddie Waring biog was interesting - learned quite a few things I didn't know about his influence on the promotion of the game. Despite the 'flat cap' image that his detractors accused him of bringing to coverage of RL, he was actually ahead of his time with marketing and promotion of the sport outside it's heartlands. How many knew that US television were covering the Challenge Cup final in the early 60's??
I have also to confess that I was unaware of his sad demise due to dementia. I remember him retiring from commentary, but just assumed he had shunned the public eye to enjoy retirement.

there was also a compelling documentary called "The Game That Got Away" - filmed in 1968, it was a fly-on-the-wall look at the challenges facing pro-RL clubs as spectator numbers declined, with a potted 'guide to' the history, and rules of the game for the un-initiated. It featured a piece by Cliff Morgan about the 'rules of engagement' between League scouts and the people of the Valleys, and some footage of a very suave Keith Macklin, in best 'telephone voice', phoning through his 'copy' after the game!! It also focused on Featherstone, with some fascinating footage from training, the match, half-time, and the aftermath as they sought to continue a 14 match unbeaten run........this was "Rugby League Raw" 30 odd years ahead of it's time!!

There was then something to cheer up all the Leeds fans so dissapointed by the events at Wembley the other week - full coverage of the 1978 CC Final....fat lad forwards, bone-crunching tackles (some that would illicit long bans these days!!), fast flowing rugby - even with the 5 yard rule, and competitive scrums!!! Fantastic stuff!!