MATCH ratings are normally reserved for the football world so when the Worcester Evening News began the new format this season it caused some consternation at Sixways.
When players were given low marks for being sin-binned or simply a below-par display, the reaction was not always particularly welcoming.
Fair enough.
However, it has given players the chance to reflect on their contribution this season after the marks were averaged out.
The results have given Jim Jenner another boost with the powerful number eight in front of the chasing pack going into Saturday's clash at Moseley.
In fact, the former Newcastle man cannot be caught by second-placed Richard Smith unless Jenner has a stinker and the Welshman bags a perfect 10.
Jenner -- who was named the supporters' player of the season two weeks ago -- has not earned worse than six out of 10 this season and is unlikely to record a three or four which would severely dent his average of 7.34 this year.
Statistics, however, do not always tell the whole story. Ben Hinshelwood, without doubt, has been a huge success at Sixways. To have scored 20 tries from a variety of positions tells its own story, especially within a backs unit which has changed throughout the season.
The telling statistic for me is that Hinshelwood has played a part in every single game -- the only Sixways star who can boast such a record -- and has proved a constant threat from midfield.
The best news for supporters is his contract for next season because with a year behind him at Worcester he will just get better and better.
Richard Smith has been, to some extent, an unsung hero. His levels of consistency have been superb when you consider the changes at fly half because of injuries to Craig Chalmers. With the arrival of South African scrum half Werner Swanepoel for next year, however, he will have to maintain those levels of consistency to keep hold of the number nine jersey.
Chris Garrard should not be excluded from the reckoning after a fantastic try tally of 25 in National One. For a player who simply drafted off a CV to English clubs last summer in the hope of a move, he has struck gold and certainly deserves his success.
Jenner's performances have been top-notch and he has once again shown just what a talent he is as a dynamic, try-scoring number eight.
Kingsley Jones comes into the equation for his leadership skills and sheer work ethic but my vote has to be for Hinshelwood for his outstanding contribution over the whole campaign.
The season may well have ended without promotion for the club but many players have already elevated themselves to new levels.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article