Prediction League Winner

Going into the final game against Dundee, any one of five competitors could win the prediction league. Chris Hutton was the favourite with a narrow two pont lead over Geoff Baby. James Reid and Gillian McAuley were a further two points adrift and Phil Swainston looked like a total outsider five points from the lead - but he did have the advantage of having the best average of the five contenders.

Leader Chris Hutton obviously didn't fancy our post-administration chances against a skillful Dundee side and went for a 1-2 defeat. This gave him no points for the final game and a magic total of 76. Geoff Baby went for an ambitious 2-3 defeat but only gained one point - leaving him just short on 75.

James Reid was the highest rated player to go for a home win but his 2-1 prediction only gave him three points, giving him a grand total of 75. Had Stephen Pearson's effort hit the bar and bobbled in, Jamesy could have been in with a shout.

Gillian McAuley lost her chance to win the title by going for a 1-2 defeat and that meant that Chris Hutton looked like becoming the champion. That wasn't allowing for Phil Swainston though - he was five points behind at the start of the day but had the perfect prediction of 2-1. This put him level with Chris and his better average gave him the big prize.

So, congratulations to Phil and commiserations to Chris. A special mention goes to the Stewart family - Eunice, Andrew, Alistair and Gordon all finished in the top twelve. Last years champion, Dave Wardrope, had a good defence of his title and finished in eleventh place. Thanks go to him for writing 'Dave's Decision' every week without fail!

Thanks to all who entered and good luck to everyone for next year!

Have a look at the 2001/2 final standings.