As spectacles went, well, it just sort of, went. Nervy, tentative, generally conservative and only ever so occasionally exciting.

I left the ground feeling strangely unsatisfied and hungry for more, but not necessarily more of the same.

It was more of a Chinese takeaway performance than Cordon Bleu experience, which is a pity, as the contest against the Scarlets had always promised to be enthralling and potentially entertaining.

But injuries to many of the Sharks' key players and poor recent form coupled with the withdrawal of many of the Scarlets' internationals meant this was never likely to be a game that lived up to its promise.

The outcome was always going to be decided by the packs.

Both teams looked to dominate and exert their authority. On the balance of play the Sharks certainly bossed the scrum and probably shaded it in the loose.

Sadly any territorial advantage gained was probably not used as effectively as it might have been.

The spark was lacking in our three-quarters - the desire and passion were there for all to see, but our ball distribution and execution still let us down.

Nevertheless, it was good to see Lee Thomas performing as well as he did. His kicking skills, even in the swirling conditions were immaculate, and he plays with a confidence, deftness and subtlety that we will need in the light of the stern test awaiting us in Paris next week.

Corcho was, as ever, supremely effective, in spite of being temporarily substituted.

Jason Robinson showed too, what a threat he can still be. Oh for him to play on the wing each week, pulling teams apart with trickery and blistering pace!

Is that likely to happen? Sadly, I think not.

It's such a pity as it would do my standing in the Fantasy League tables a power of good, and let's face it, I need all the help I can get.

Just thank your lucky stars I don't pick the real team!

Well, the Clown Prince has left the throne of English Rugby. Did he fall, or was he pushed?

Perhaps the answer's neither. Maybe he simply stumbled and eventually tripped.

I guess we'll never know what went on behind the closed doors at HQ and which matters were addressed.

Who would want to take over the mess at this juncture? Well, as far as I can see, only a fool with a career death wish.

Frankly I don't really care what happens. What concerns me and other fans more is the issue of central contracts.

Francis Baron has taken up the baton again and seems more determined than ever to run with it.

Whether centrally contracted players would help to solve England's current demise in world rugby standings is debatable at best. What isn't debatable however, is the decimating effect that would have on club rugby.

The Scarlets' fans I spoke to were strangely sanguine about losing all their internationals for the match; no Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel, Alix Popham, Marc Jones and Simon Easterby.

I had to ask myself, would I make a three hundred mile round trip to support a team stripped of its best players by external authorities? Well, obviously no and neither would many others.

We'd be angry and rightly so. We pay our money to see the best team available take to the pitch.

If central contracts are introduced, it would be about as easy to see Charlie Hodgson play live as it is to see Freddie Flintoff play for Lancashire.

If the worst comes to pass, then many, myself included, would have to seriously question whether we would renew our season tickets. Perhaps Francis Baron and others of a similar persuasion should factor that into the mix before making any far reaching decisions.

Do they really want to make Premiership rugby second rate and meaningless? If the answer's yes, I'll get my coat!