re battle for 6th vs battle for championship...

....set me thinking a little bit. Made me think of one metric I quite like for the degree of importance, and drama, when it comes to sporting contests - and also an implication for broadcasters.

I reckon one good way to judge the drama in most sporting events is: how gutted will the loser feel?

Think about the tussle for 6th this weekend. After Swansea's equaliser last night, Middlesboro fans will now think they have a real chance of 6th and the play-offs. And obviously Derby still think they've got a great chance of 6th.

So how will boro fans feel if, say, Derby don't beat West Brom - but boro screw up and don't get a win. Say they conceded a late equaliser. I reckon they would be gutted come 4:50 on Sunday. Shots of devastated fans, players prone on the pitch covering their faces with their shirts etc. Likewise Derby, if boro win and they concede a late equaliser vs West Brom.

Whereas - say we don't win the title. Or alternatively Sheff U don't. Will there be crying fans in the stands and devastated players on the pitch?
I doubt it. If we don't end up winning the title, the Nodge players would still be going over to the away fans, with everyone celebrating a job well done.

I reckon that tells you all you need to know about where the biggest contest is this Sunday.

And also - made me realise that when I watch the end of a sporting drama, I often want the camera to seek out the broken loser, not the celebrating winner. Just to ram home the drama and essence of sport. They don't do that enough, I don't think - too much seeking out the winner. Who basically always look the same. It's harder to show joy in an interesting way, I reckon. Or less interesting to watch or something.

Maybe it's just me, and I'm unusually sadistic in that respect? Would guess probably not though.

Posted By: Tricky Hawes, May 2, 15:05:51