This was always promising to be a big match, especially after the previous week, but we had no idea of exactly how much of an epic it was all to become.
My parents are Blues season ticket holders. They had managed to get us tickets in the Executive Lounge at the Blues. And we were going to stay with them for a couple of nights as we weren't going to see them on Christmas Day.
48 hours before the match heavy snows hit the UK. Wales went under early on and suddenly the match was in doubt. Not only was the ground under a thick blanket but also the approached were also treachorous. Even if the match were to go ahead would we be able to make it? No news on Friday. Saturday comes, the football is cancelled but the rugby sites still not updated. We wait. Finally, about 1500hrs they announce that the game is still on. But now it has started snowing in Northampton. Can we make the drive to Wales. Should we wait until the Sunday morning rather than drive in the dark. Much beating of chest but finally I decide we have to give it a go. We set off, half expecting to have to turn back. Initially we try avoiding the motorways as these are gridlocked by all accounts. We reach Leamington, it gets interesting. Roads are covered in snow. As we go over the M40 it looks clear. Change of plan and we get on the motorway. Shortly we see signs telling of congestion. So off we come again and head down towards Evesham. Luckily it is downhill as the snow here is really thick and the car probably couldn't make it up hill. We reach Wales. We reach Newport. We come off the motorway and we get to the small valley village where my parents live. And then I make the mistake of coming off the main road to get to their house. We get to within 500 feet and then get stuck! Ah well, walking distance at least.
With both cars now stuck, getting to the game the next day looked doubtful. Then someone had the brainwave of a taxi. Initially the idea was that we would share the cost. Soon it changed into a bet, winner pays.
The game itself was brutal. There were scores to settles from last week, and the Blues came out completely fired up. No dominance of the line-out by the Saints this time and even the scrum was pushed back on a few occassions. For most of the game the Blues looked in charge. But Smylers boot kept the Saints in touch. All it needed was a little something to change the game.
The turning point was when Xavier Rush put in a high tackle on Long Arm. It was judged dangerous by the ref and a red card appeared out of his pocket. Rush was off and the Blues had 20 minutes more to play. While the Saints didn't capitalise as well as they should, it was enough. A rather strange try by Callum Clark (at least he got the plaudits although not convinced it wasn't Rabbit) saw the Saints ahead. Despite the last 5 minutes with the Blues camped on our try line, once we had the lead we weren't going to give it up easily, and we just scraped through.
Back to the bet. I spent most of the match thinking I was getting a free ride. In the end I had to shell out the £40. And rarely have I felt £40 so well spent!
Scorers
Saints - Try: Callum Clark; Pens: Smyler (6)
Blues - Try: Mustoe; Cons: Parks; DG: Parks; Pens: Parks (3)
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Two Extend Contract
Mooj and Brett have extended their contracts with the Saints, much to the joy of the supporters.
Brett has come on well this season, especially while Rabbit has been off playing for England. His throw-ins still need work, but he has turned into a fast hooker, not afraid to run with the ball.
However Mooj has really become one of the beloved. I sometimes wonder what travelling supporters think because it is easy to misunderstand what we shout. Although we are all going "moo" for the Mooj, it can sound like boo. Fortunately Mooj knows what it is, and he is one of those players who will always wave to the crowd as he leaves the pitch. A small gesture, but massively appreciated.
Brett has come on well this season, especially while Rabbit has been off playing for England. His throw-ins still need work, but he has turned into a fast hooker, not afraid to run with the ball.
However Mooj has really become one of the beloved. I sometimes wonder what travelling supporters think because it is easy to misunderstand what we shout. Although we are all going "moo" for the Mooj, it can sound like boo. Fortunately Mooj knows what it is, and he is one of those players who will always wave to the crowd as he leaves the pitch. A small gesture, but massively appreciated.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Venter Interview
Venter said he wasn't doing any more interviews after getting in to trouble again. So it is difficult to know if this interview after, yesterdays loss to Racing Metro, is irony or if he has cracked.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Saints 23 - Cardiff Blues 15
Last time I saw the Saints playing the Blues I was shouting for the Blues. Oh how times change. Two years later and my loyalties have swapped - this is what happens when you don't miss a match. Institutional memory meant I nearly shouted come on the blues, but I managed to stop myself.
This match has had some bad write ups. I don't know if people were expecting tries a-plenty. But that was never going to happen. Both teams were going to have a dogged defence, and both play with passion. It was a tough match, perhaps that explains the 5 yellow cards. No quarter given. But ultimately the Blues nevver really looked like scoring a try and they couldn't match the Saints. Once again it came down to the forwards. They mashed the Blues scrum and they tore the Blues line-out. In fact the Blues lost 5 of their own throw ins at the line-out, each time losing critical position.
Smyler had another good controlling match. 100% with his kicks from the tee, but also good positional play. A beautifully weighted kick should have resulted in a try but Flash had post-international fall-out and failed to catch a ball that dropped right through his arms.
Dan Parks kept the Blues in touch throughout with well kicked penalties. But it was never going to be enough. In the end a tense match but a good win.
At about 78 minutes once again the Saints scrum demolished the Blues. They steamrollered over them when they should have stopped as the ref blew up. In itself a penalty against the Saints. But Dylan and Gareth Williams continued their own private battle, both getting a yellow card for their efforts. As they walked off Rabbit kept mouthing off at Williams and went passed a microphone at just the wrong moment, overheard to say "you're f*****g useless". The return match next weekend could be interesting!
Socreres:
Saints - Tries: Digger, Flash; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (3)
Blues - Pens: Parks (5)
This match has had some bad write ups. I don't know if people were expecting tries a-plenty. But that was never going to happen. Both teams were going to have a dogged defence, and both play with passion. It was a tough match, perhaps that explains the 5 yellow cards. No quarter given. But ultimately the Blues nevver really looked like scoring a try and they couldn't match the Saints. Once again it came down to the forwards. They mashed the Blues scrum and they tore the Blues line-out. In fact the Blues lost 5 of their own throw ins at the line-out, each time losing critical position.
Smyler had another good controlling match. 100% with his kicks from the tee, but also good positional play. A beautifully weighted kick should have resulted in a try but Flash had post-international fall-out and failed to catch a ball that dropped right through his arms.
Dan Parks kept the Blues in touch throughout with well kicked penalties. But it was never going to be enough. In the end a tense match but a good win.
At about 78 minutes once again the Saints scrum demolished the Blues. They steamrollered over them when they should have stopped as the ref blew up. In itself a penalty against the Saints. But Dylan and Gareth Williams continued their own private battle, both getting a yellow card for their efforts. As they walked off Rabbit kept mouthing off at Williams and went passed a microphone at just the wrong moment, overheard to say "you're f*****g useless". The return match next weekend could be interesting!
Socreres:
Saints - Tries: Digger, Flash; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (3)
Blues - Pens: Parks (5)
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Saints 35 - 23 Not Nots
In the end this proved a convincing win and my fears were unfounded. It didn't seem that way in the first 5 minutes however as Ryan Lamb managed two drop goals (one the result of a Smyler kick being charged down) and we were down 6-0 in the blink of an eye. However that was the last time that the Exiles were to look threatening, the final score flattering them as a result of some disruption near the end of the match (more of which later).
Smyler came into his own. Instead of being phased by his early mistake, he took the game by the scruff. Wonderful positional kicking, great handling. This was the fly half we wished we always saw. Confident, play making. He shortly narrowed the lead with a penalty from a difficult position. In fact his place kicking throughout the game was fantastic, some really difficult kicks going over, and only one miss for the entire match.
The first try came from Jamie Elliott. At only 18 he is the youngest player we have, but he is already showing flare and poise. He was targeted with the high ball at the Irish restarts but he caught every one. And he never dropped out of a tackle. But even more impressive is his pace and his ability to spin out of hits. He reminds me of Shane Williams in many ways. And after a couple of attempts that didn't quite make it, finally he got over in the corner and things were moving the right way.
Next was a try magicked out of nowhere. A smart pick up of a loose ball which had spilt out of a ruck by Brett Sharman and he was off. But it was clear he couldn't make it the whole way. Digger was on his outside and his arms were out for the pass. Brett decided to kick ahead instead. If you ever see a replay you will see Digger turn to Brett and say something very rude before haring down the field after the ball. A lovely weighted chip ahead and then Digger was able to drop on the ball scoring a fine try. Brett got a lot of plaudits, but the reports internally suggest that if he ever tries that again then he is going to find himself in the Wanderers for the rest of the season.
The try of the match came from Clarke however. This time from a maul. Tiny was standing his ground with a horde of Irish trying to bring him down. Clarke sees an opportunity and scoops the ball out of Tiny's hands. And after a neat side step around Hodgson he's got the field ahead of him clear except for one figure. Delon Armitage. Delon prepares, he waits. Clarke nears him. And just as Delon goes for the tackle Clarke makes a beautiful side step which completely out-manouvres Delon who only manages to get enough of a hand on Clarke that he is spun around and down while Clarke continues on to the line and the try.
Half time and Saints well in the lead. Three tries up. Almost 90% of territory. Dominant.
Scoring slowed after half time but it was clear that the Saints weren't going to let go. And from a game that had initially looked dangerous there was now the sniff of a bonus. Sure enough it was to come. From a scrum, that rock of our play this season, Ryan Powell went to the blindside. Only Ojo to get passed, and a nice offload to Digger saw him go in for his second try of the match.
15 minutes to go and the Saints were firmly in charge. London Irish hadn't looked like scoring but were making a quick foray into our 22. Then disaster. Digger attempted to tackle the biggest player on the pitch and got himself in completely the wrong position. He received a knee to the head for his troubles and was laid out cold. A long long time for treatment, and a lot of concern from the supporters, but he was awake when he was stretchered off, and later reports indicate that he recovered quickly and is OK. However this disrupted the team. At the restart after the injury they let in a soft try. And then a mispass by TinTin allowed Ojo to race away for a second (although nearly caught by Elliott). The Irish were able to go home with a semblance of respectability but, in reality, they were crushed.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Elliott, Digger (2), Clarke; Cons: Smyler (3); Pens: Smyler (2), TinTin
London Irish - Tries: Hala'ufia, Ojo; Cons: Lamb (2); DGs: Lamb (2); Pens: Lamb
Smyler came into his own. Instead of being phased by his early mistake, he took the game by the scruff. Wonderful positional kicking, great handling. This was the fly half we wished we always saw. Confident, play making. He shortly narrowed the lead with a penalty from a difficult position. In fact his place kicking throughout the game was fantastic, some really difficult kicks going over, and only one miss for the entire match.
The first try came from Jamie Elliott. At only 18 he is the youngest player we have, but he is already showing flare and poise. He was targeted with the high ball at the Irish restarts but he caught every one. And he never dropped out of a tackle. But even more impressive is his pace and his ability to spin out of hits. He reminds me of Shane Williams in many ways. And after a couple of attempts that didn't quite make it, finally he got over in the corner and things were moving the right way.
Next was a try magicked out of nowhere. A smart pick up of a loose ball which had spilt out of a ruck by Brett Sharman and he was off. But it was clear he couldn't make it the whole way. Digger was on his outside and his arms were out for the pass. Brett decided to kick ahead instead. If you ever see a replay you will see Digger turn to Brett and say something very rude before haring down the field after the ball. A lovely weighted chip ahead and then Digger was able to drop on the ball scoring a fine try. Brett got a lot of plaudits, but the reports internally suggest that if he ever tries that again then he is going to find himself in the Wanderers for the rest of the season.
The try of the match came from Clarke however. This time from a maul. Tiny was standing his ground with a horde of Irish trying to bring him down. Clarke sees an opportunity and scoops the ball out of Tiny's hands. And after a neat side step around Hodgson he's got the field ahead of him clear except for one figure. Delon Armitage. Delon prepares, he waits. Clarke nears him. And just as Delon goes for the tackle Clarke makes a beautiful side step which completely out-manouvres Delon who only manages to get enough of a hand on Clarke that he is spun around and down while Clarke continues on to the line and the try.
Half time and Saints well in the lead. Three tries up. Almost 90% of territory. Dominant.
Scoring slowed after half time but it was clear that the Saints weren't going to let go. And from a game that had initially looked dangerous there was now the sniff of a bonus. Sure enough it was to come. From a scrum, that rock of our play this season, Ryan Powell went to the blindside. Only Ojo to get passed, and a nice offload to Digger saw him go in for his second try of the match.
15 minutes to go and the Saints were firmly in charge. London Irish hadn't looked like scoring but were making a quick foray into our 22. Then disaster. Digger attempted to tackle the biggest player on the pitch and got himself in completely the wrong position. He received a knee to the head for his troubles and was laid out cold. A long long time for treatment, and a lot of concern from the supporters, but he was awake when he was stretchered off, and later reports indicate that he recovered quickly and is OK. However this disrupted the team. At the restart after the injury they let in a soft try. And then a mispass by TinTin allowed Ojo to race away for a second (although nearly caught by Elliott). The Irish were able to go home with a semblance of respectability but, in reality, they were crushed.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Elliott, Digger (2), Clarke; Cons: Smyler (3); Pens: Smyler (2), TinTin
London Irish - Tries: Hala'ufia, Ojo; Cons: Lamb (2); DGs: Lamb (2); Pens: Lamb
Friday, 26 November 2010
Saints vs Not Nots
It's cold. In fact that's an understatement. The snow may not have arrived but I have more layers on than at any other time this season.
Big game tonight. Last week we went top of the league. Who did we knock off the top spot. London Irish. So they will be desparate to get that back again. If they fail then we start to see daylight between first and second for the first time this season.
Traditionally this has been a close game. Last season we won, but only in extra time with a try in the last play of the game. Something that did not go well with Delon Armitage who had a go at the ref. The same Delon who was released by Jonni from the England squad this week so he'll be out there.
Too close to call.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Saints 28 - Dragons 3
It's very easy to get disappointed by not getting bonus points. This was a good win unfortunately undone by some decisions made by the ref (more of which later). In this case though the lack of a bonus probably means that the Saints are out of the LV Cup. The set up of the LV is strange. What matters is how the teams in another pool perform, rather than how you perform. We could do a lot of damage to the other teams in our pool, but we don't come up against them. The other pool is being hammered by ours. So what will happen is the top from our pool will go through and then the top of our competing pool will go through even though they have lost more games. It's weird.
But, to the ref. Unfortunately this ref decided to throw yellow cards against the Dragons props. This may sound like a good thing, but it lead to uncontested scrums. This is a disaster for us. Having a man sent off actually helped the Dragons. Not only does it take away our powerhouse, but it means that the Dragons backs are able to take defensive positions knowing that they won't be going backwards. How this was the correct decision compared to a penalty try is beyond me.
But, some good play by the team. Second try for Smyler which is excellent. TinTin was playing full back and this was the normal mixed bag. The defining moment of his career may well be when he managed to break through the Dragons defence, outrun them all ..... and then trip over his own feet before getting to the try line.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Smyler, Digger, Clark; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (3)
Dragons - Pen: Jones
But, to the ref. Unfortunately this ref decided to throw yellow cards against the Dragons props. This may sound like a good thing, but it lead to uncontested scrums. This is a disaster for us. Having a man sent off actually helped the Dragons. Not only does it take away our powerhouse, but it means that the Dragons backs are able to take defensive positions knowing that they won't be going backwards. How this was the correct decision compared to a penalty try is beyond me.
But, some good play by the team. Second try for Smyler which is excellent. TinTin was playing full back and this was the normal mixed bag. The defining moment of his career may well be when he managed to break through the Dragons defence, outrun them all ..... and then trip over his own feet before getting to the try line.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Smyler, Digger, Clark; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (3)
Dragons - Pen: Jones
Go Flash
Flash scores two against the Wallabies. And the second is an iconic moment, fantastic running from his own 22 in order to score. Beautiful to watch.
Chris Ashton try v Australia 13.11.10
Chris Ashton try v Australia 13.11.10: "Chris Asthon scores an incredible 95m try against Australia"
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Tiny Award
Tiny has been awarded the Premiership Player of the Month. And he definitely deserves it. He is the Saints leading try scorer this season, which is no mean feat for a prop. In fact, unless anyone else did anything magical recently, he is the leading try scorer in the premiership this season. Which is nothing short of amazing. But when you see Tiny charging down the pitch you just know that inside there somewhere is a wing trying to get out (as opposed to the ones in front of him who just want to get out of the way).
Well done Tiny.
Well done Tiny.
Crack
And the bad news is in. Dicko has a broken leg after the match against the Falcons. Expected to be off for at least 8 weeks. I suspect that this is going to have a significant impact on the games over the next couple of months. I believe that Lee is under-appreciated, and doesn't get the recognistion he deserves for everything he does. Ryan Powell will have to step up now, and that is going to be tough.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Saracens 22 - Saints 22
We weren't able to make this game as we were in London for a friends birthday party. I did suggest that we could stop at Watford on the way back. But I was out-voted. I suspect that the main reason I was out-voted was because the girls thought we were going to lose this one. Our recent history against the Sarries has not been good, and they were turning out a strong side whilst ours was really a Wanderers team (too many England call ups and too many injuries).
So while we were meandering around the Wellcome Museum I was recounting the score. And couldn't beleive how close it got. In fact it was almost a win. The Saints played the better rugby and had more to show, with three tries, but indiscipline let the Sarries keep in touch. And then it sounds as though they sat back a bit in the second half letting the Saracens back in. Finally in the dying minute TinTin touched down to bring the scores level. Sadly, rather than pass the ball to Joe Ford, TinTin decided to take the conversion himself - after had a poor day with the boot already - and missed.
An opportunity gone begging. But, to be honest, I'll take a draw. Just from now on I'm going to have to cheer on the Sarries as we need them to beat everyone else in our pool.
Scores:
Saints - Tries: Dreyer, Digger, TinTin; Cons: TinTin (2); Pens: TinTin (1)
Saracens - Try: Melck; Cons: Wgglesworth; Pens: Wigglesworth (5)
So while we were meandering around the Wellcome Museum I was recounting the score. And couldn't beleive how close it got. In fact it was almost a win. The Saints played the better rugby and had more to show, with three tries, but indiscipline let the Sarries keep in touch. And then it sounds as though they sat back a bit in the second half letting the Saracens back in. Finally in the dying minute TinTin touched down to bring the scores level. Sadly, rather than pass the ball to Joe Ford, TinTin decided to take the conversion himself - after had a poor day with the boot already - and missed.
An opportunity gone begging. But, to be honest, I'll take a draw. Just from now on I'm going to have to cheer on the Sarries as we need them to beat everyone else in our pool.
Scores:
Saints - Tries: Dreyer, Digger, TinTin; Cons: TinTin (2); Pens: TinTin (1)
Saracens - Try: Melck; Cons: Wgglesworth; Pens: Wigglesworth (5)
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Saints 34 - Falsons 13
Overall a harder fought match than last week at the Wasps. Not helped by being down 4 men to the Autumn Internationals. And then definitely not helped by the injuries as the game progressed (not looking good for Dicko, which is depressing).
The forwards again showed their dominance. One of the longest drives you are ever likely to see was the result of one action. Bascially they were all over the Falcons scrum, but couldn't quite turn that dominance into a score for a lot of the match. It is sometimes as though they are too powerful, and it all runs away with them.
An odd interview at half time. ESPN spoke to the Falcons coach who implied that Brookes had been brought off as he was struggling but would come back on in a new position later. Sure enough, later in the seond half an "injury" meant that Brookes was able to come back on. Tactical substitutions are illegal in rugby union, so this smells funny to say the least.
Brett Sharman got man of the match. Also odd. Certainly Brett played well in the loose and is rapidly coming up to form. But his line-out throwing still leaves a lot to be desired. A number of times the Saints could have had the Falcons on the rack, only for the line-out to let us down.
But, overall, another excellent result.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Dicko, Tonks, Ansbro, Downey; Cons: Smyler (4); Pens: Smyler (2)
Falcons - Tries: Manning; Cons: Gopperth; Pens: Gopperth (2)
The forwards again showed their dominance. One of the longest drives you are ever likely to see was the result of one action. Bascially they were all over the Falcons scrum, but couldn't quite turn that dominance into a score for a lot of the match. It is sometimes as though they are too powerful, and it all runs away with them.
An odd interview at half time. ESPN spoke to the Falcons coach who implied that Brookes had been brought off as he was struggling but would come back on in a new position later. Sure enough, later in the seond half an "injury" meant that Brookes was able to come back on. Tactical substitutions are illegal in rugby union, so this smells funny to say the least.
Brett Sharman got man of the match. Also odd. Certainly Brett played well in the loose and is rapidly coming up to form. But his line-out throwing still leaves a lot to be desired. A number of times the Saints could have had the Falcons on the rack, only for the line-out to let us down.
But, overall, another excellent result.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Dicko, Tonks, Ansbro, Downey; Cons: Smyler (4); Pens: Smyler (2)
Falcons - Tries: Manning; Cons: Gopperth; Pens: Gopperth (2)
Monday, 25 October 2010
Wasps 10 - Saints 37
So the previous post was the prematch round-up. But having come back from the match we can say that this was sheer devastation. It put to bed one of the last bogey grounds for us. A stunning display of rugby.
The Saints came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders. There was a level of determination that has been missing in a few games. Clearly this was one that they meant to win. What made it more impressive is that they never let up. Accused many a time of not being clinical enough, there was no time when they seem to relax and go off the boil. A full 80 minutes of intensity. Described in the papers as a "drubbing" or "trounced". No quarter given.
Smyler wasn't quite as good with the boot from the tee as we would hope. But he scored the opening try with a bit of nifty footwork. He also set up Flash's try with a lovely grubber for Flash to retrieve and go over. His kicking from hand was good and his overall game management was excellent. There was variety which kept the Wasps guessing, giving us the edge throughout.
Tiny scored twice. Making him our highest try scorer, not bad for a prop. Possibly, and I haven't confirmed this, he may be the highest try scorer the premiership this season. And Courtney scored as well, showing the dominance of the scrum. In fact it was impossible to count how many times the Saints got the turnover, stopping the Wasps from ever having enough possession to be a threat. Line-outs again proved to be a strong point, so much so that Tom Wood has now received a call-up for England in place of the injured Simon Shaw.
An away win with a bonus. A great day. And we are second in the table, one point behind the Irish.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Smyler, Flash, Tiny (2), Courtney; Cons: Smyler (3); Pens: Smyler (2)
Wasps - Try: Jacobs; Con: Walder; Pen: Walder
The Saints came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders. There was a level of determination that has been missing in a few games. Clearly this was one that they meant to win. What made it more impressive is that they never let up. Accused many a time of not being clinical enough, there was no time when they seem to relax and go off the boil. A full 80 minutes of intensity. Described in the papers as a "drubbing" or "trounced". No quarter given.
Smyler wasn't quite as good with the boot from the tee as we would hope. But he scored the opening try with a bit of nifty footwork. He also set up Flash's try with a lovely grubber for Flash to retrieve and go over. His kicking from hand was good and his overall game management was excellent. There was variety which kept the Wasps guessing, giving us the edge throughout.
Tiny scored twice. Making him our highest try scorer, not bad for a prop. Possibly, and I haven't confirmed this, he may be the highest try scorer the premiership this season. And Courtney scored as well, showing the dominance of the scrum. In fact it was impossible to count how many times the Saints got the turnover, stopping the Wasps from ever having enough possession to be a threat. Line-outs again proved to be a strong point, so much so that Tom Wood has now received a call-up for England in place of the injured Simon Shaw.
An away win with a bonus. A great day. And we are second in the table, one point behind the Irish.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Smyler, Flash, Tiny (2), Courtney; Cons: Smyler (3); Pens: Smyler (2)
Wasps - Try: Jacobs; Con: Walder; Pen: Walder
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Prematch Wasps vs Saints
Ten minutes to go and the ground I filling up. History favours the Wasps today. Last time we beat them on the own soil was 1999. And overall the victories lean to them. But this Saints line-up is the team that beat Edinburgh in Murrayfield last week. Playing well they have the strength and the game management skills to close out the Wasps.
It's dry. It's sunny. Everything is here for a good match. Let battle commence.
Sent from my iPhone
It's dry. It's sunny. Everything is here for a good match. Let battle commence.
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Ansbro
Congratulations to Joe for being picked in the Scotland squad for the up-coming internationals. His place in the Saints is difficult. In many teams he could be in the starting line up but he is more often on our bench. This partly reflects his versatility. Having him on the bench means he can be called in for wing, centre or even full back. But he is one of those players that you are happy to see come on. Greatly loved by the Saints fans, he is a good and strong player.
It's difficult supporting a team. You want your players to get recognition but at the same time don't want to lose them. I really don't like the idea of not having Ansbro to fall back on but I am very pleased that he has got what he deserves.
It's difficult supporting a team. You want your players to get recognition but at the same time don't want to lose them. I really don't like the idea of not having Ansbro to fall back on but I am very pleased that he has got what he deserves.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Edinburgh 27 - Saints 31
A trip up to Scotland for the team. Unfortunately I had been sent down to Torquay with work so that was about as far away as I could get. I was on the train and having to rely on text messages while the match was being played.
Edinburgh are a tough team at Murrayfield. It might be the atmosphere, or lack of it, with so few fans in such a large stadium. Everyone can be seen crowding around the players tunnel. On TV the Saints followers had a louder voice than the home crowd. It may be the width of the pitch, although this suits the Saints well. Whatever it is, this is not an easy match, and they nearly beat Cardiff away last weekend. So it promised to be a match.
And it lived up to it. Anyone says the rules prevent tries at the moment needs to watch this game. Edinburgh especially showed some lovely ball skills. But at half time the Saints were in touch 24-21, and the Saints are normally stronger in the second half. Sure enough they came on and closed the game down, made it flow their way, and took control.
Smyler had a great day. Only missed one kick, and he managed the game well. It is easy to overlook how good Smyler is. He isn't an "in your face" player, so he doesn't get noticed, but he is great at releasing the rest of the backs. His kicking from hand still needs more distance but he understands the game well and plays for the team. Welcome back.
Tonks had a good debut for the first team. Full back is a focus positin, and with us being used to Fodes there then they are big boots to fill. But he had a good game. Well played and looks good for when the autumn internationals reduce our squad down.
It's easy to think that a bonus point would have been the icing. But an away win, especially in the Heineken Cup, is a rare commodity. Effectively 4 bonus points! And Cardiff lost to Castre so that puts the Saints in the driving seat.
Scores:
Saints - Tries: Downey, Digger, Rabbit; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (4)
Edinburgh - Tries: Cairns, Jacobsen, Talei; Cons: Paterson (3); Pens: Paterson (2)
Edinburgh are a tough team at Murrayfield. It might be the atmosphere, or lack of it, with so few fans in such a large stadium. Everyone can be seen crowding around the players tunnel. On TV the Saints followers had a louder voice than the home crowd. It may be the width of the pitch, although this suits the Saints well. Whatever it is, this is not an easy match, and they nearly beat Cardiff away last weekend. So it promised to be a match.
And it lived up to it. Anyone says the rules prevent tries at the moment needs to watch this game. Edinburgh especially showed some lovely ball skills. But at half time the Saints were in touch 24-21, and the Saints are normally stronger in the second half. Sure enough they came on and closed the game down, made it flow their way, and took control.
Smyler had a great day. Only missed one kick, and he managed the game well. It is easy to overlook how good Smyler is. He isn't an "in your face" player, so he doesn't get noticed, but he is great at releasing the rest of the backs. His kicking from hand still needs more distance but he understands the game well and plays for the team. Welcome back.
Tonks had a good debut for the first team. Full back is a focus positin, and with us being used to Fodes there then they are big boots to fill. But he had a good game. Well played and looks good for when the autumn internationals reduce our squad down.
It's easy to think that a bonus point would have been the icing. But an away win, especially in the Heineken Cup, is a rare commodity. Effectively 4 bonus points! And Cardiff lost to Castre so that puts the Saints in the driving seat.
Scores:
Saints - Tries: Downey, Digger, Rabbit; Cons: Smyler (2); Pens: Smyler (4)
Edinburgh - Tries: Cairns, Jacobsen, Talei; Cons: Paterson (3); Pens: Paterson (2)
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Northampton 18 - Castres Olympique 14
Good news, but only just. The Saints believe in living dangerously at the moment. There were many times when this game could have been lost. It is easy to blame the opposition, Castres came with the game plan of slowing us down and took every opportunity to act an injury, but there wasn't the fire needed in the team (or in the supporters to be honest).
This was another game that showed our weakness with the boot. We could have been 11 points in the lead by half time but too many missed kicks allowed Castres to remain in touch leading to a nail biting second half. When TinTin took a relatively straight forward penalty only for it to make a maximum of 5 inches off the ground then we knew it was going to be a struggle. Brooce, after a good day kicking last week, was no better. The calls for Smyler to be allowed back in as the first choice are getting louder.
Fodes try came within a minute of the second half starting. Many got their hopes up and thought that this was a new invigorated team. It wasn't to prove so however and everything bogged down. The only thing that brightened this performance is that the following day Cardiff had as much of a struggle (in fact slightly more) against Edinburgh. This seems to have lead to some confusion as to who is top of the pool. The Blues are claiming it, but surely the points difference is in the favour of the Saints.
Golden moment - Smyler took a penalty. It hit the upright, it then hit the cross bar, it bounced over (phew) and then hit the linesman on the head. Classic.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Brooce, Fodes; Cons: TinTin; Pens: TinTin, Smyler
Castres - Try: Tekori; Drop goal: McIntyre; Pen: Bernard (2)
This was another game that showed our weakness with the boot. We could have been 11 points in the lead by half time but too many missed kicks allowed Castres to remain in touch leading to a nail biting second half. When TinTin took a relatively straight forward penalty only for it to make a maximum of 5 inches off the ground then we knew it was going to be a struggle. Brooce, after a good day kicking last week, was no better. The calls for Smyler to be allowed back in as the first choice are getting louder.
Fodes try came within a minute of the second half starting. Many got their hopes up and thought that this was a new invigorated team. It wasn't to prove so however and everything bogged down. The only thing that brightened this performance is that the following day Cardiff had as much of a struggle (in fact slightly more) against Edinburgh. This seems to have lead to some confusion as to who is top of the pool. The Blues are claiming it, but surely the points difference is in the favour of the Saints.
Golden moment - Smyler took a penalty. It hit the upright, it then hit the cross bar, it bounced over (phew) and then hit the linesman on the head. Classic.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Brooce, Fodes; Cons: TinTin; Pens: TinTin, Smyler
Castres - Try: Tekori; Drop goal: McIntyre; Pen: Bernard (2)
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Saints 27 - Exeter 21
You should never complain about a win, but this one was odd. Just about everyone thought this was a bonus try match. Yes, Exeter have played well, and they shouldn't be underestimated, but surely the Saints were going to come back from the Sarries match with the blood running hot. Somehow though all the dominance failed to turn into tries, and another yellow card pur the mockers on our aspirations. Another match spoilt by too many penalties being given away, and this rings a lot of warning bells for the rest of the season.
A moment of confusion for the Saints supporters when Chris Budgen scored a try. Dismay that we had let in a try mixed with joy for an ex-Saints player with a certain amount of favoured following. We like Exeter. It's a result of us being in the Championship so very recently. But we don't want them scoring against us (everyone else, that's fine).
Lovely try from Digger. It's not nice to see Flash sidelined with an injury, but of all our positions then I worry least about this one as I have a lot of time and admiration for Digger.
And Brooce got his 1000 points for the club. It's been a while coming. Almost there last season but then he gave the ball to Flash to score a try. But for this match Brooce was given kicking duties. There might be something interesting there if Jim has decided that the No.10 is no longer the kicker, or it might just be that TinTin had a groin injury. We will see as the season progresses.
Strange. 5 matches in, 4 won, and second in the league, and yet we still don't seem to be firing on all cylinders. Where will it go from here?
Scorers:
Saints: Tries: Digger, Tiny; Cons: Brooce; Pens: Brooce (5)
Exeter: Tries: Arscott, Budgen; Cons: Steenson; Pens: Steenson (3)
A moment of confusion for the Saints supporters when Chris Budgen scored a try. Dismay that we had let in a try mixed with joy for an ex-Saints player with a certain amount of favoured following. We like Exeter. It's a result of us being in the Championship so very recently. But we don't want them scoring against us (everyone else, that's fine).
Lovely try from Digger. It's not nice to see Flash sidelined with an injury, but of all our positions then I worry least about this one as I have a lot of time and admiration for Digger.
And Brooce got his 1000 points for the club. It's been a while coming. Almost there last season but then he gave the ball to Flash to score a try. But for this match Brooce was given kicking duties. There might be something interesting there if Jim has decided that the No.10 is no longer the kicker, or it might just be that TinTin had a groin injury. We will see as the season progresses.
Strange. 5 matches in, 4 won, and second in the league, and yet we still don't seem to be firing on all cylinders. Where will it go from here?
Scorers:
Saints: Tries: Digger, Tiny; Cons: Brooce; Pens: Brooce (5)
Exeter: Tries: Arscott, Budgen; Cons: Steenson; Pens: Steenson (3)
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Saints 17 - Sarries 24
A disappointing match best describes this. While a bonus point from an away match is always worthwhile, you can't help feeling that we could, and should, have won this. Sarries never looked like scoring a try, all their points came from the boot of Derick Hougaard. The Saints scored one try in the dying minute to get the bonus, but looked like scoring many more.
So what went wrong? Too many penalties given away, including two yellow cards. Playing for 20 minutes with only 14 players and not giving away a try is, in some ways, a very positive outcome - but it also makes it almost impossible to win. Discipline has been a problem for the Saints before, and it doesn't look as though they have learnt.
Certainly not the best day for the ref, David Pearson. He was late arriving after getting caught in a traffic jam. This lead to a rather rushed start with the teams not getting a proper briefing. Then he was rather inconsistent with his decisions, and it is easy to think that he favoured the Sarries. However, we have had problems with Pearson before. In reality I suspect that it isn't him favouring the other team, more that he expects the Saints to infringe. This is a problem once you get a reputation. The ref will be looking out more and the 50:50 calls are more likely to go against you.
While Sarries didn't look like scoring a try, it is worth mentioning Hougaards drop goal. Long distance in the rain and it was a beauty.
Scorers:
Saints - Try: Digger; Pen: TinTin (4)
Sarries - Pen: Hougaard (7); Drop Goal: Hougaard
So what went wrong? Too many penalties given away, including two yellow cards. Playing for 20 minutes with only 14 players and not giving away a try is, in some ways, a very positive outcome - but it also makes it almost impossible to win. Discipline has been a problem for the Saints before, and it doesn't look as though they have learnt.
Certainly not the best day for the ref, David Pearson. He was late arriving after getting caught in a traffic jam. This lead to a rather rushed start with the teams not getting a proper briefing. Then he was rather inconsistent with his decisions, and it is easy to think that he favoured the Sarries. However, we have had problems with Pearson before. In reality I suspect that it isn't him favouring the other team, more that he expects the Saints to infringe. This is a problem once you get a reputation. The ref will be looking out more and the 50:50 calls are more likely to go against you.
While Sarries didn't look like scoring a try, it is worth mentioning Hougaards drop goal. Long distance in the rain and it was a beauty.
Scorers:
Saints - Try: Digger; Pen: TinTin (4)
Sarries - Pen: Hougaard (7); Drop Goal: Hougaard
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Saints 31 vs Bath 10
This was an intense match. Third week of the Premiership season and these two teams were the only ones remaining who hadn't lost a match. Something was going to give. It promised to be a close fougt and difficult match.
I am not sure I have ever been so nervous before a match. So nervous I couldn't shout or cheer. If it continues like this for the rest of the season then it isn't going to do my heart any good!!
The first half was as hard as forecast. Sterling defence by the Saints prevented a number of almost certain tries by Bath. In fact Bath had the majority of both possession and territory. But they were unable to convert that into points. Whereas the Saints managed to get points when they got near. One try and two penalties in the first half was a promising start. Unfortunately in the dying seconds of the first half Bath were given a chance of a penalty which they kicked. Half time score 11-3, and memories of the Quins match last week came flooding back. Were the Saints going to come out for the next half as lions or kittens.
Lions. Bath had the kick off, Day gathered well. Dicko controlled the maul well, more Bath players were sucked in, then Dicko gave Dowse the tap to go. Dowse peeled off, made a lovely dummy to Dicko which was bought completely by Lewis Moody to create a gap, and Dowse was through. A great off-load to Flash and the try was there in less than a minute. The Saints came out meaning business. From there on the score was only going to go one way. Bath couldn't come up with any answers and a match that promised to be close simply broke open. So much so that the Saints were even able to get the vital fourth try for the bonus point. The late try by Bath does them credit for not folding but was nothing more than a gesture.
The scrum was immense. They didn't only dominate, they demolished the Bath scrum. This was shown most acutely when Bath elected for a scrum 5 metres from our line instead of taking the penalty kick at goal. They were to regret it for they were pushed solidly backwards and then themselves lost a penalty for illegal scrummaging. Later in the game the Saints eleceted to scrum whenever possible and it was this that set up the position for the bonus try.
Defence remained strong for the Saints. I have lost how many times it looked certain that the opposition were going to score only for a Saint to get there and prevent it. This is something we were good at for most of last season (we cracked towards the end) but are looking even better at this year. Clearly this has been a key focus and the players have really taken a never-say-die ethos to the game.
Next is Sarries. And some scores to settle after they spoiled the end of season party earlier this year.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Dowse, Flash (2), Ansbro. Con: Smyler. Pens: TinTin (3)
Bath - Tries: Williams. Con: Vesty. Pens: Barkley
I am not sure I have ever been so nervous before a match. So nervous I couldn't shout or cheer. If it continues like this for the rest of the season then it isn't going to do my heart any good!!
The first half was as hard as forecast. Sterling defence by the Saints prevented a number of almost certain tries by Bath. In fact Bath had the majority of both possession and territory. But they were unable to convert that into points. Whereas the Saints managed to get points when they got near. One try and two penalties in the first half was a promising start. Unfortunately in the dying seconds of the first half Bath were given a chance of a penalty which they kicked. Half time score 11-3, and memories of the Quins match last week came flooding back. Were the Saints going to come out for the next half as lions or kittens.
Lions. Bath had the kick off, Day gathered well. Dicko controlled the maul well, more Bath players were sucked in, then Dicko gave Dowse the tap to go. Dowse peeled off, made a lovely dummy to Dicko which was bought completely by Lewis Moody to create a gap, and Dowse was through. A great off-load to Flash and the try was there in less than a minute. The Saints came out meaning business. From there on the score was only going to go one way. Bath couldn't come up with any answers and a match that promised to be close simply broke open. So much so that the Saints were even able to get the vital fourth try for the bonus point. The late try by Bath does them credit for not folding but was nothing more than a gesture.
The scrum was immense. They didn't only dominate, they demolished the Bath scrum. This was shown most acutely when Bath elected for a scrum 5 metres from our line instead of taking the penalty kick at goal. They were to regret it for they were pushed solidly backwards and then themselves lost a penalty for illegal scrummaging. Later in the game the Saints eleceted to scrum whenever possible and it was this that set up the position for the bonus try.
Defence remained strong for the Saints. I have lost how many times it looked certain that the opposition were going to score only for a Saint to get there and prevent it. This is something we were good at for most of last season (we cracked towards the end) but are looking even better at this year. Clearly this has been a key focus and the players have really taken a never-say-die ethos to the game.
Next is Sarries. And some scores to settle after they spoiled the end of season party earlier this year.
Scorers:
Saints - Tries: Dowse, Flash (2), Ansbro. Con: Smyler. Pens: TinTin (3)
Bath - Tries: Williams. Con: Vesty. Pens: Barkley
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Quins 16 vs Saints 20
Rather late posting about this one. Wasn't able to go and see it as we were camping with friends. Not sure that following the match on the iPhone was particularly sociable and I think they got fed up of me going on about the Saints winning for the rest of the evening. Never mind.
A strange match, which became evident once I saw the recording. In the first half the statistics were all against the Saints. Quine dominated in our territory but just couldn't nail the points. The few times we went into their half then we made it count. Half time score of 3:13. It looked as though the Saints just needed to step on the gas and would be clear. Instead they lost the pedal altogether. Quins came out fighting for the second half and suddenly the game turned. They were in the ascendency. It started to look worrying. After so many years it seemed as though we might have another without a win at the Stoop. It fell to the captain to steady the ship and Dylan went over for a well worked try.
Another tense match for Saints fans. But puts us second in the table, just below Bath, who we have next.
Scorers
Saints - Tries: Flash, Rabbit. Con: TinTin (2). Pens: TinTin (2)
Quins - Tries: Lowe. Con: Evans. Pens: Evans (3)
A strange match, which became evident once I saw the recording. In the first half the statistics were all against the Saints. Quine dominated in our territory but just couldn't nail the points. The few times we went into their half then we made it count. Half time score of 3:13. It looked as though the Saints just needed to step on the gas and would be clear. Instead they lost the pedal altogether. Quins came out fighting for the second half and suddenly the game turned. They were in the ascendency. It started to look worrying. After so many years it seemed as though we might have another without a win at the Stoop. It fell to the captain to steady the ship and Dylan went over for a well worked try.
Another tense match for Saints fans. But puts us second in the table, just below Bath, who we have next.
Scorers
Saints - Tries: Flash, Rabbit. Con: TinTin (2). Pens: TinTin (2)
Quins - Tries: Lowe. Con: Evans. Pens: Evans (3)
Friday, 10 September 2010
Saints vs Quins Preview
Tomorrow is the Saints vs Quins. Jerry Guscott has us as winning by more than 7 points. But that is what they expected last year. And, to be brutal about it, the Quins hammered us.
We don't have a particularly good record at The Stoop. In fact we haven't won a league match there in three years. Will this team do it:
15 Ben Foden
14 Chris Ashton
13 Jon Clarke
12 James Downey
11 Bruce Reihana
10 Shane Geraghty
9 Lee Dickson
1 Soane Tonga'uiha
2 Dylan Hartley (capt)
3 Brian Mujati
4 Courtney Lawes
5 Christian Day
6 Phil Dowson
7 Tom Wood
8 Roger Wilson
Replacements
16 Brett Sharman
17 Regardt Dreyer
18 Euan Murray
19 Calum Clark
20 Mark Easter
21 Stuart Commins
22 Stephen Myler
23 Joe Ansbro
There might be some question over Smyler not starting but being on the bench. Based purely on last weeks match this might be a harsh decision. But the last time I saw Smyler kick as badly as he did on Sunday was at this match last year. To put him on as first choice would place an incredible weight on his shoulders, two bogeys to bare. So on the bench to come on later makes a lot of sense. And maybe this is the kind of match made for TinTin - confuse the opposition, don't let them predict what will happen.
Looking at the bench as a whole we appear light on backs. Certainly Joe is flexible and can do the job at both centre and wing. But what do we do if we get an injury. Maybe Jim is thinking he can put Tiny out on the wing if necessary :-)
We don't have a particularly good record at The Stoop. In fact we haven't won a league match there in three years. Will this team do it:
15 Ben Foden
14 Chris Ashton
13 Jon Clarke
12 James Downey
11 Bruce Reihana
10 Shane Geraghty
9 Lee Dickson
1 Soane Tonga'uiha
2 Dylan Hartley (capt)
3 Brian Mujati
4 Courtney Lawes
5 Christian Day
6 Phil Dowson
7 Tom Wood
8 Roger Wilson
Replacements
16 Brett Sharman
17 Regardt Dreyer
18 Euan Murray
19 Calum Clark
20 Mark Easter
21 Stuart Commins
22 Stephen Myler
23 Joe Ansbro
There might be some question over Smyler not starting but being on the bench. Based purely on last weeks match this might be a harsh decision. But the last time I saw Smyler kick as badly as he did on Sunday was at this match last year. To put him on as first choice would place an incredible weight on his shoulders, two bogeys to bare. So on the bench to come on later makes a lot of sense. And maybe this is the kind of match made for TinTin - confuse the opposition, don't let them predict what will happen.
Looking at the bench as a whole we appear light on backs. Certainly Joe is flexible and can do the job at both centre and wing. But what do we do if we get an injury. Maybe Jim is thinking he can put Tiny out on the wing if necessary :-)
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Saints 27 - Tigers 19
That was an intense match. Just what you would expect from the first match of the season and a local derby to boot.
Some incredible moments. Tiny scoring two tries within the first 7 minutes. This is a prop who has the heart of a wing. Clarke making a try saving tackle, turning his man and holding him up even when they were both over the line. Tom Wood showing immense presence at the line-out. The Sarge driving through the Leicester forwards almost at will. Some beautiful breaks by Fodes and Brooce.
Some less good moments. Smylers kicking was terrible. He forgot to turn up. Then started trying too hard and it really went into melt down. Luckily the Tigers had a bad day kicking as well otherwise things might have been very different.
We come away with 4 points. And we prevented the Tigers getting any. If you had asked me yesterday I would have said that I would take that as a result. In fact I feel robbed. We should have got the fourth try and the bonus. However the Tigers put in an incredible number of tackles. Their defence was almost like a rock. Maybe not too surprising that we didn't get through more. But a match well aorth the money and making me glad I bought season tickets.
Scorers
Saints - Tries: Tiny (2), Mooj. Con: Smyler (2), TinTin. Pens: Smyler, TinTin
Tigers - Tries: Tuilagi, Hamilton (2). Con: Flood, Staunton. Pens:
Some incredible moments. Tiny scoring two tries within the first 7 minutes. This is a prop who has the heart of a wing. Clarke making a try saving tackle, turning his man and holding him up even when they were both over the line. Tom Wood showing immense presence at the line-out. The Sarge driving through the Leicester forwards almost at will. Some beautiful breaks by Fodes and Brooce.
Some less good moments. Smylers kicking was terrible. He forgot to turn up. Then started trying too hard and it really went into melt down. Luckily the Tigers had a bad day kicking as well otherwise things might have been very different.
We come away with 4 points. And we prevented the Tigers getting any. If you had asked me yesterday I would have said that I would take that as a result. In fact I feel robbed. We should have got the fourth try and the bonus. However the Tigers put in an incredible number of tackles. Their defence was almost like a rock. Maybe not too surprising that we didn't get through more. But a match well aorth the money and making me glad I bought season tickets.
Scorers
Saints - Tries: Tiny (2), Mooj. Con: Smyler (2), TinTin. Pens: Smyler, TinTin
Tigers - Tries: Tuilagi, Hamilton (2). Con: Flood, Staunton. Pens:
Saints vs Tiggers
Count down. Only a few hours to go and the first "real" match of the season. Getting the bikes ready so we can cycle there (strangely hardly use the bikes during the summer, they are mainly for cycling to Saints matches).
Nerves are kicking in. I can feel the butterflies. It's already been an interesting weekend - Exeter beating Gloucester, London Irish beating Sarries. And now we have the big one, one of the biggest local derbies going. Time to see how the new players gel into the team. Time to see if Draco is going to be playing at centre this season. Will Flash beat his try record? Can we get bonus points in our matches?
Here we go, Come On You Saints!
Nerves are kicking in. I can feel the butterflies. It's already been an interesting weekend - Exeter beating Gloucester, London Irish beating Sarries. And now we have the big one, one of the biggest local derbies going. Time to see how the new players gel into the team. Time to see if Draco is going to be playing at centre this season. Will Flash beat his try record? Can we get bonus points in our matches?
Here we go, Come On You Saints!
Monday, 23 August 2010
Northampton 34 - Nottingham 23
A "friendly" and our first game of the season as we weren't able to get to the others. Plus our first chance to try out our season ticket seats. By the end of the first half I was thinking that the seats were probably about the best thing we were going to see. It was a difficult start, and at one point we were 20:0 down. However they went in at half time with a try, and it seemed likely that Jim was going to give them a proper talking to. And he must of done because they came back out with a different attitude. Andy Long especially was suddenly everywhere, as though he'd just woken up. Within 5 minutes the Saints had two tries and things just looked different.
To be fair, the Saints team was made up of a lot of the newcomers and some academy lads (junior as well as senior) so they were finding their feet. And Nottingham definitely came to win a match. Their scrum was all over ours in the beginning. Special mentions go to Joe Ford, excellent with the boot and a real contender for the No.10 shirt; Matt Cornwell, brought speed and variety into the attack; Charlie Sadler, wow can that boy shift; and Mark Easter for leading the team from the front. There may have been others, but they didn't have their names on the shirts and I haven't worked out who they all are yet!
Scorers
Saints - Tries: Jamie Elliott, Charlie Sadler (2), Matt Cornwell, Richard Lane. Con: Ford (3). Pens: Ford
Nottingham - Tries: Tom Youngs, Cesar Sempere. Con: Arlidge (2). Pens: Arlidge (2)
To be fair, the Saints team was made up of a lot of the newcomers and some academy lads (junior as well as senior) so they were finding their feet. And Nottingham definitely came to win a match. Their scrum was all over ours in the beginning. Special mentions go to Joe Ford, excellent with the boot and a real contender for the No.10 shirt; Matt Cornwell, brought speed and variety into the attack; Charlie Sadler, wow can that boy shift; and Mark Easter for leading the team from the front. There may have been others, but they didn't have their names on the shirts and I haven't worked out who they all are yet!
Scorers
Saints - Tries: Jamie Elliott, Charlie Sadler (2), Matt Cornwell, Richard Lane. Con: Ford (3). Pens: Ford
Nottingham - Tries: Tom Youngs, Cesar Sempere. Con: Arlidge (2). Pens: Arlidge (2)
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Sixes and Sevens
Friday night saw the inaugural J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby Sevens Series reach Franklins Gardens. The aim has been to get all the premiership teams playing sevens, partly to bring a bit of rugby to the summer and partly to give the younger squad members a chance to play. This was the third of the play-offs.
I enjoy Sevens, always have done, it's fast and showcases some different skills to normal rugby. The amount of open space allows for some wonderful breaks, and generally provides fun rugby. So I was looking forward to this, and bought tickets almost as soon as it was promoted. And it was going to be a good opportunity to practice "Oh When The Saints...." before the season kicks off for real.
The Saints aren't known for their Sevens skills however, despite having a few players in the England Sevens squad. Leicester had struggled the week before at their hosted evening and there was more than an off-chance that we might replicate this. Our fears were to prove unfounded. The Saints won their first game against Gloucester 17-12. They then had a break before the next match against Bath, which was another victory, 19-7. The last match of the evening was Saints vs Exeter, and at this point neither team had lost a match so it was a real show-down. Going in to the match the Chiefs were one point ahead, on 9, as a result of a bonus pioint for four tries in a match against Bath. Unfortunately for the Chiefs one of their team was red carded right at the beginning of the final game, taking them down to six men. The Saints being what they are, they didn't really manage to capitalise on the numbers advantage to the degree that they should and there were some worrying moments. But they managed to come through in the end, winning 17-12 and heading the table to book their place in the final next Friday.
Special mention must go to the Exeter Chiefs. They have only just come up into the premiership, but if they play like this all season then they are going to have some fantastic rugby.
I enjoy Sevens, always have done, it's fast and showcases some different skills to normal rugby. The amount of open space allows for some wonderful breaks, and generally provides fun rugby. So I was looking forward to this, and bought tickets almost as soon as it was promoted. And it was going to be a good opportunity to practice "Oh When The Saints...." before the season kicks off for real.
The Saints aren't known for their Sevens skills however, despite having a few players in the England Sevens squad. Leicester had struggled the week before at their hosted evening and there was more than an off-chance that we might replicate this. Our fears were to prove unfounded. The Saints won their first game against Gloucester 17-12. They then had a break before the next match against Bath, which was another victory, 19-7. The last match of the evening was Saints vs Exeter, and at this point neither team had lost a match so it was a real show-down. Going in to the match the Chiefs were one point ahead, on 9, as a result of a bonus pioint for four tries in a match against Bath. Unfortunately for the Chiefs one of their team was red carded right at the beginning of the final game, taking them down to six men. The Saints being what they are, they didn't really manage to capitalise on the numbers advantage to the degree that they should and there were some worrying moments. But they managed to come through in the end, winning 17-12 and heading the table to book their place in the final next Friday.
Special mention must go to the Exeter Chiefs. They have only just come up into the premiership, but if they play like this all season then they are going to have some fantastic rugby.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Seasons Squad
I've now updated the squad listing. Sad to have to delete some names, adding others in interest. It looks a fairly good squad. A bit light on the wing, but we have some who can cover there well. After a good season it's always going to be hard to look at a new squad and wonder if it can perform to the same level. Here's hoping.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Well Done Boys
It's great to see the Saints players get a particular mention from the Saxons coach. It does leave a distinct worry that our players are going to be missing for a significant proportion of the season however. Difficult call. I like to see them doing well, but I want to keep them for us!
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Saints On The Up
Last weekend was a good one for the Saints. With Courtney, Flash and Fodes starting in the England vs Australia game and Dicko, Smyler and Clark (plus Tom Wood, a soon to be Saint) starting in the Saxons vs Canada. And both teams winning with significant input from the boys.
Every write up of the England vs Australia game seems to heap praise on Courtney. He really made his mark and is likely to be the first choice from now on. Then Fodes cemented his position as the first choice full back, with beautiful running rugby and counter-attacks. And finally Flash scores his first try for England, and a nice one it was too, beating a number of the Aussies.
Then to the Saxons game. Smyler kicked 6 out of 7 (and I reckon if the commentators hadn't decided to start betting he was going to get them all then he wouldn't have missed at all). Clark scored a try. And Dicko played out of his skin, hardly a minute went by without his name being mentioned. I reckon we might see him making the step up to the England squad based on this. And consider he wasn't originally picked but flew out late as a replacement - talking about taking your opportunity.
Well done to them all.
Every write up of the England vs Australia game seems to heap praise on Courtney. He really made his mark and is likely to be the first choice from now on. Then Fodes cemented his position as the first choice full back, with beautiful running rugby and counter-attacks. And finally Flash scores his first try for England, and a nice one it was too, beating a number of the Aussies.
Then to the Saxons game. Smyler kicked 6 out of 7 (and I reckon if the commentators hadn't decided to start betting he was going to get them all then he wouldn't have missed at all). Clark scored a try. And Dicko played out of his skin, hardly a minute went by without his name being mentioned. I reckon we might see him making the step up to the England squad based on this. And consider he wasn't originally picked but flew out late as a replacement - talking about taking your opportunity.
Well done to them all.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Saxons 49 vs Russia 17
Not a bad result for Russia and they kept playing until the end. But I was more interested in how the Saints (and Saints to be) players did. Jon Clarke and Tom Wood were OK, but nothing special. Dicko came on for the last 5 minutes and showed his usual terrier self, spoiling Russian ball, stealing where he could. So a good 5 minutes and he should ahve been allowed more. Smyler was interesting though. Started slowly and initially I thought he was out of touch. But he grew into it. So much so that he was significant in one try with a lovely off-load, then he scored a try as well that he was involved with at the beginning and end. And he was given Man of the Match. Overall not a bad showing by the Saints.
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Draw for 2011
An interesting draw. The Saints have got Cardiff Blues, Edinburgh and Castres. And this is the moment I realise I am a true Saint. Two years ago I went to the Blues vs Saints match at the Ricoh. And at that point I was yelling for the Blues. I grew up a Cardiff boy. I've always supported and shouted for the Blues. I saw this draw and suddenly relised that next season, for these matches I will be shouting "Come On You Saints". I almost feel a traitor. How do you tell your parents?
But I go to Saints matches week in and week out. We know the team. We know their strengths and their foibles. We are part of it all.
Proud to be a Saint.
But I go to Saints matches week in and week out. We know the team. We know their strengths and their foibles. We are part of it all.
Proud to be a Saint.
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Another Congratulations
Dicko has been called up to the Saxons squad. This is a bit of shuffling resulting from Simpsons injury so that Paul Hodgson has been called up to the England squad. This is great news for Lee and I am very pleased for him. He seems to be one of those players who elicit strong views one way or the other, but I think he works incredibly hard and has a great pass on him. Well deserved.
Friday, 28 May 2010
A Welcome
I posted a farewell to some players who are off elsewhere, it is only right to post a hello to those coming.
Matt Cornwell - centre, signed from Exeter
Scott Armstrong - wing, signed from Leeds
Calum Clark - flanker, signed from Leeds
Adam Eustace - lock/No 8, signed from Gloucester
Joe Ford - fly half, signed from Leeds
Tom Mercey - prop, signed from Saracens
Ryan Powell - scrum half, signed from Worcester
Mark Sorenson - lock, signed from Newcastle
Greig Tonks - full back/wing/centre, signed from Nottingham
Tom Wood - flanker, signed from Worcester
An interesting mix. Some with experience, many with youth. A few with Under 20's or Saxons experience as well.
Some concern that there might not be enough strength in these signings. They haven't all been first choice for the teams that they come from. However the Saints coaches, physios, nutritionalists etc have done amazing jobs with players before. Tiny, Chris Ashton, Dowson, even Fodes - all were questioned as signings but Jim and co have managed to get the best out of them. Dusty Hare will now be adding to that experience as well in spotting talent. So who is going to shine next season and show that they just needed the right opportunity to burst out.
Matt Cornwell - centre, signed from Exeter
Scott Armstrong - wing, signed from Leeds
Calum Clark - flanker, signed from Leeds
Adam Eustace - lock/No 8, signed from Gloucester
Joe Ford - fly half, signed from Leeds
Tom Mercey - prop, signed from Saracens
Ryan Powell - scrum half, signed from Worcester
Mark Sorenson - lock, signed from Newcastle
Greig Tonks - full back/wing/centre, signed from Nottingham
Tom Wood - flanker, signed from Worcester
An interesting mix. Some with experience, many with youth. A few with Under 20's or Saxons experience as well.
Some concern that there might not be enough strength in these signings. They haven't all been first choice for the teams that they come from. However the Saints coaches, physios, nutritionalists etc have done amazing jobs with players before. Tiny, Chris Ashton, Dowson, even Fodes - all were questioned as signings but Jim and co have managed to get the best out of them. Dusty Hare will now be adding to that experience as well in spotting talent. So who is going to shine next season and show that they just needed the right opportunity to burst out.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Cardiff Blues 28 - Toulon 21
OK, so the blog is a Saints blog. But I grew up in Wales, and a Cardiff supporter. Put the Saint against the Blues and I will shout COYS (wouldn't a few years ago but now brainwashed). But that doesn't mean I don't like to see the Blues do well. And being the first Welsh team to get a Euro trophy is certainly doig well. Cardiff Blues are now second in the Euro Table, with the Saints 3rd.
A tough game. In many ways mirroring the Saints vs Sarries match from a few weeks ago. Everything said that Toulon would win, and most of the match they seemed to have the control. But it all rested on one wrong decision. Much as the Saints had done, Toulon decided to go for a try off a penalty trather than take the 3 points with a kick. It shows ambition. But maybe ambition is the wrong thing in this kind of sudden death match. Toulon didn't get the try, and didn't get the points, Jonny Wilkinson get injured, and from there on the Blues beat out a dogged victory.
Proud to be a Saint, happy to be a Blue.
A tough game. In many ways mirroring the Saints vs Sarries match from a few weeks ago. Everything said that Toulon would win, and most of the match they seemed to have the control. But it all rested on one wrong decision. Much as the Saints had done, Toulon decided to go for a try off a penalty trather than take the 3 points with a kick. It shows ambition. But maybe ambition is the wrong thing in this kind of sudden death match. Toulon didn't get the try, and didn't get the points, Jonny Wilkinson get injured, and from there on the Blues beat out a dogged victory.
Proud to be a Saint, happy to be a Blue.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
So Long and Thanks For All The Fish
It's a difficult time of year. Rugby over (or just about), which is bad enough, but it is also time to say goodbye to players with have learnt to love over the season, and more. The Saints are waving goodbye to a few. Roll call for first team leavers:
Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe - Nacho is loved by the fans. Recognisable from anywhere on the pitch by the fact that his socks are always aroound his ankles. He has worked hard for the Saints and brought a lot of experience. He will be missed but the joints were not able to keep up with what his massive heart wanted to do.
Juandre Kruger - a scary loss. The best line-out player in the Premiership. But a return to South Africa beckons where he hopes to get his international cap. If he doesn't then someone over there needs to have their head examined.
Neil Best - moving to Worcester. Some were surprised that the Beast would go there after their relegation. I suspect he relishes the challenge of bringing them back up. His reputation is of someone who doesn't always get on with his team mates, but he has been a star with the Saints.
Darren Morris - a brief time in the team. Able to shore up the scrum hen needed.
Alan Dickens - never really challenging Dicko for the scrum half position but a reliable player. And not leaving completely as he is joining the Academy coaching team.
Our thanks to these who have helped bring us so far. Fondly remembered.
Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe - Nacho is loved by the fans. Recognisable from anywhere on the pitch by the fact that his socks are always aroound his ankles. He has worked hard for the Saints and brought a lot of experience. He will be missed but the joints were not able to keep up with what his massive heart wanted to do.
Juandre Kruger - a scary loss. The best line-out player in the Premiership. But a return to South Africa beckons where he hopes to get his international cap. If he doesn't then someone over there needs to have their head examined.
Neil Best - moving to Worcester. Some were surprised that the Beast would go there after their relegation. I suspect he relishes the challenge of bringing them back up. His reputation is of someone who doesn't always get on with his team mates, but he has been a star with the Saints.
Darren Morris - a brief time in the team. Able to shore up the scrum hen needed.
Alan Dickens - never really challenging Dicko for the scrum half position but a reliable player. And not leaving completely as he is joining the Academy coaching team.
Our thanks to these who have helped bring us so far. Fondly remembered.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Accolades
It's that time of year when the awards start to be given out.
Within the Saints Tiny has won both the Players Player of the Season and the Supporters Player of the Season. The second is none too much of a surprise, ever since Tiny decided to stay with the Saints he has been greeted with a roar whenever his name is mentioned or he does something on the pitch. He is well loved. But it is good to see that the team themselves value him as well.
Tiny also came second in the Guiness Premiership Player of the Season, but the trophy itself goes to Chris Ashton with the highest try score of the premiership for a decade, and almost managing to beat the all time record.
This is just part of the recognition for a team that have come so far in the last 2 years. In the Eurotable they still top the other English teams, although having dropped from 2nd to 4th as a result of the defeat to the Sarries last weekend.
Proud to be a Saint.
Within the Saints Tiny has won both the Players Player of the Season and the Supporters Player of the Season. The second is none too much of a surprise, ever since Tiny decided to stay with the Saints he has been greeted with a roar whenever his name is mentioned or he does something on the pitch. He is well loved. But it is good to see that the team themselves value him as well.
Tiny also came second in the Guiness Premiership Player of the Season, but the trophy itself goes to Chris Ashton with the highest try score of the premiership for a decade, and almost managing to beat the all time record.
This is just part of the recognition for a team that have come so far in the last 2 years. In the Eurotable they still top the other English teams, although having dropped from 2nd to 4th as a result of the defeat to the Sarries last weekend.
Proud to be a Saint.
Monday, 17 May 2010
Saints 19 - Saracens 21
It's taken 24 hours but I have recovered enough to blog about the match. Not enough to go through and describe it fully, but at least to be able to mention it. In the 80 minutes of play I think I got through a fortnights worth of adrenalin, it was an amazing and intense match. In the end it really could have gone either way, these two teams are so close at the moment. It was finally won in the inches, and the Sarries had just enough.
There were some sublime moments. The best of which was the try by Tiny. After everything else this season it was certainly an irony. But to see Tiny running down the wing, pass a dummy, hand off (or charge over) Alex Goode and make it to the line was a moment I will remember for a long time.
The Saints have brought exciting rugby to the premiership this season. The Sarries joined in completely. It was a good match to end our season (but would have been even better had we won!).
There were some sublime moments. The best of which was the try by Tiny. After everything else this season it was certainly an irony. But to see Tiny running down the wing, pass a dummy, hand off (or charge over) Alex Goode and make it to the line was a moment I will remember for a long time.
The Saints have brought exciting rugby to the premiership this season. The Sarries joined in completely. It was a good match to end our season (but would have been even better had we won!).
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Saints vs Saracens Preview
Here we go, in to the play-offs. We finished the season second in the Guiness Premiership table which means we get a home match. But it's against the Sarries, which makes our 5th game against them this season. And the scores so far, 2-all. This is all to play for.
The team is much as you would expect:
15 Ben Foden
14 Chris Ashton
13 Jon Clarke
12 James Downey
11 Bruce Reihana
10 Stephen Myler
9 Lee Dickson
1 Soane Tonga'uiha
2 Dylan Hartley (capt)
3 Brian Mujati
4 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe
5 Juandre Kruger
6 Phil Dowson
7 Neil Best
8 Roger Wilson
Replacements
16 Brett Sharman
17 Regardt Dreyer
18 Darren Morris
19 Courtney Lawes
20 Mark Easter
21 Alan Dickens
22 Shane Geraghty
23 Joe Ansbro
That's a strong squad and quite capable of doing well. But the Sarries have really stepped up the form in the last month, including beating both ourselves and the Tigers at home. In fact Jerry Guscott has the final being Bath vs Sarries, so he sees no home advantage in either game this week.
The team will be up for this though. It is only a few weeks ago that we were beaten, and the sound of the Sarries singing in the changing room had a big effect on them. I am convinced that this is why they played so much better against London Irish last week. Schalk Brits will be a key player for the Sarries, and they have Andy Goode back as well. However if we can avoid letting them have too much ball then we will be fine.
It's a close match to call. I think the Saints will get it, but less than 7 points between them.
The team is much as you would expect:
15 Ben Foden
14 Chris Ashton
13 Jon Clarke
12 James Downey
11 Bruce Reihana
10 Stephen Myler
9 Lee Dickson
1 Soane Tonga'uiha
2 Dylan Hartley (capt)
3 Brian Mujati
4 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe
5 Juandre Kruger
6 Phil Dowson
7 Neil Best
8 Roger Wilson
Replacements
16 Brett Sharman
17 Regardt Dreyer
18 Darren Morris
19 Courtney Lawes
20 Mark Easter
21 Alan Dickens
22 Shane Geraghty
23 Joe Ansbro
That's a strong squad and quite capable of doing well. But the Sarries have really stepped up the form in the last month, including beating both ourselves and the Tigers at home. In fact Jerry Guscott has the final being Bath vs Sarries, so he sees no home advantage in either game this week.
The team will be up for this though. It is only a few weeks ago that we were beaten, and the sound of the Sarries singing in the changing room had a big effect on them. I am convinced that this is why they played so much better against London Irish last week. Schalk Brits will be a key player for the Sarries, and they have Andy Goode back as well. However if we can avoid letting them have too much ball then we will be fine.
It's a close match to call. I think the Saints will get it, but less than 7 points between them.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Give Us A Wave
We've had a rough few months with Sarries supporters. For one or two reasons we could be said to be "not seeing eye to eye". And it gets in the way of the rugby a bit. Rugby is supposed to be fun, and rugby supporters are supposed to get on. Every club will have its share of malcontents but, overall, we can all be friendly. It's time to move on and welcome each other.
So I found this recent piece of news very amusing. Northampton is known for the lighthouse, a massive tower for testing lifts. It has been on the at risk list for a while but is now listed. It dominates the landscape, and it sits right bang slap next to Franklins Gardens. I can see exactly why the Sarries would have wanted to pt a flag up there, it would have been an incredible coup. All credit to them for having the vision and nerve to try. Pete Sullivan is right though, he would have been knee-capped!
So I found this recent piece of news very amusing. Northampton is known for the lighthouse, a massive tower for testing lifts. It has been on the at risk list for a while but is now listed. It dominates the landscape, and it sits right bang slap next to Franklins Gardens. I can see exactly why the Sarries would have wanted to pt a flag up there, it would have been an incredible coup. All credit to them for having the vision and nerve to try. Pete Sullivan is right though, he would have been knee-capped!
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Leaving Do
There's a good showing by the Saints team in the teams announced today. In the England squad we find Fodes, Flash, Tin Tin, Rabbit and Long Arm - these lads will be touring Australia and New Zealand. This is seen very much as a warm up for the Rugby World Cup. In the Saxons squad we find Smyler, Jon Clarke and Dowse. In addition Tom Wood, who is joining us for next season is also there.
Some questions had been raised when Jim Mallinder signed another fly half, but if we can be expecting both Tin Tin and Smyler to be tied up with country commitments then this might well be a very astute choice.
Some questions had been raised when Jim Mallinder signed another fly half, but if we can be expecting both Tin Tin and Smyler to be tied up with country commitments then this might well be a very astute choice.
Goodbye
Much to my surprise I have just realised that the London Irish match last Saturday was my last "proper" match of the season. I thought I had at least one more, and if we were lucky two. But the play-offs next weekend are on Sunday and we already have tickets for the Windsor Horse Show (summer activities sneaking in). If we manage to beat the Sarries then the final is at Twickers but we can't go to that because it is "A"s birthday party. I am left feeling rather bereft, I didn't say goodbye to the team or Franklins Gardens. We can dull the pain slightly as we are going to the IRB Sevens at Twickers, but it won't be the same.
No-one text me the results, we will be recording and watching in the evening!
No-one text me the results, we will be recording and watching in the evening!
Saturday, 8 May 2010
London Irish 7 - Saints 31
I had been beginning to worry that we were jinxing the away games, having not seen a win away yet this season. But today corrected that and I feel that we can continue to go to away matches without worry.
This was a different team to the one that we saw two weeks ago against the Sarries. They came out firing today and looking as though they wanted to be there. And they looked like a team trying to work together rather than 15 individuals on a pitch. This is a combination that is hard to beat, and possibly we need to thank the Sarries for shaking us up. This was the best I have seen us play since the LV Cup Final.
There was some beautiful rugby played, and a couple of opportunities went missing. Once again Flash tried kicking the ball, and it went dead. I think we all may have to accept that Flash doesn't have the finese for kicking!
During the first half Lobbe received a blow to the head. It was painful to watch him trying to get up, his legs were just jelly and he kept sinking down again. But he wanted to play and nothing was going to stop him. By the time the medics reached him he was standing, but wobbling everywhere. We all thought he had to come off. But he wouldn't let the medics take him off. Thye even had a word with the ref but it became clear that if they tried to forcibly take him off then he was going to hit someone. Thankfully after another five minutes or so he recovered. A large part of me still feels he should have come off, but it shows the determination of the team as a whole.
Another moment that typified the determined nature of the team was when Topsy Ojo intercepted from us and started a run down the right wing. Topsy is a good winger and no slow coach. And he had no-one in front of him. This spelt disaster. Then suddenly, and I really still can't understand this, Juandre Kruger was catching Ojo up. Somehow Kruger was able to find power in his legs, after playing for 70 odd minutes, to catch and overhaul a wing. That shouldn't happen. In fact Ojo was so surprised, and possibly worried, by being caught that he almost stopped. Kruger had too much momentum and couldn't stop, overshooting Ojo (it was a scene out of Top Gun) but this gave the others a chance to catch up. Disaster averted.
A good win. A well played win. We dominated. We passed, we off-loaded, we stole their line-outs, we pushed their scrum.
Special mention to Mike Catt though. It was his last professional game. He was brought on with 15 minutes or so to go. And while you could laugh that he was given man of the match, I'd have to say he deserved it. His distribution was outstanding, and the team looked different with him on, more threatening. He is a class player.
Scorers
Saints - Tries: Clarke x2, Ashton. Con: Myler x2. Pens: Myler x 4
London Irish - Try: Coetzee. Con: Homer
This was a different team to the one that we saw two weeks ago against the Sarries. They came out firing today and looking as though they wanted to be there. And they looked like a team trying to work together rather than 15 individuals on a pitch. This is a combination that is hard to beat, and possibly we need to thank the Sarries for shaking us up. This was the best I have seen us play since the LV Cup Final.
There was some beautiful rugby played, and a couple of opportunities went missing. Once again Flash tried kicking the ball, and it went dead. I think we all may have to accept that Flash doesn't have the finese for kicking!
During the first half Lobbe received a blow to the head. It was painful to watch him trying to get up, his legs were just jelly and he kept sinking down again. But he wanted to play and nothing was going to stop him. By the time the medics reached him he was standing, but wobbling everywhere. We all thought he had to come off. But he wouldn't let the medics take him off. Thye even had a word with the ref but it became clear that if they tried to forcibly take him off then he was going to hit someone. Thankfully after another five minutes or so he recovered. A large part of me still feels he should have come off, but it shows the determination of the team as a whole.
Another moment that typified the determined nature of the team was when Topsy Ojo intercepted from us and started a run down the right wing. Topsy is a good winger and no slow coach. And he had no-one in front of him. This spelt disaster. Then suddenly, and I really still can't understand this, Juandre Kruger was catching Ojo up. Somehow Kruger was able to find power in his legs, after playing for 70 odd minutes, to catch and overhaul a wing. That shouldn't happen. In fact Ojo was so surprised, and possibly worried, by being caught that he almost stopped. Kruger had too much momentum and couldn't stop, overshooting Ojo (it was a scene out of Top Gun) but this gave the others a chance to catch up. Disaster averted.
A good win. A well played win. We dominated. We passed, we off-loaded, we stole their line-outs, we pushed their scrum.
Special mention to Mike Catt though. It was his last professional game. He was brought on with 15 minutes or so to go. And while you could laugh that he was given man of the match, I'd have to say he deserved it. His distribution was outstanding, and the team looked different with him on, more threatening. He is a class player.
Scorers
Saints - Tries: Clarke x2, Ashton. Con: Myler x2. Pens: Myler x 4
London Irish - Try: Coetzee. Con: Homer
London Irish vs Saints
Saints top on - check
Tickets in hand - check
Voice warmed up - check
Flag unfurled - check
Coat (for the rain) - check
Sat nav programmed - check
Petrol tank full - check
Last league game of the season. Still play-offs, but this is it, where can we end up in the table. After the disappointment of the last two matches, losing both by 1 point, can we make a come-back today.
There had been rumours, mostly coming out of The Exiles changing rooms, that the irish were going to play blood some young players today. Lokking at the team that has not happened. Instead they have named a top squad. And we have a good team out as well so it is going to be a good game. When the Irish played us at Franklins Gardens earlier in the season we just pipped them in the last minute of the game with a late try. Delon Armitage got very wound up and used some very bad language towards the ref. I think he was lucky not to get cited after the match. So they will have fire in the belly, plus they still have an outside chance of coming within the top four (if Bath lose to Leeds which seems unlikely), and finally it is Mike Catts last match - all these things add up to a big incentive. But our boys will still be smarting from hearing the Sarries players singing and cheering in the Franklins Gardens changing rooms, they've had an extra break just to get themselves back under control.
Here we go, Come On You Saints!
Tickets in hand - check
Voice warmed up - check
Flag unfurled - check
Coat (for the rain) - check
Sat nav programmed - check
Petrol tank full - check
Last league game of the season. Still play-offs, but this is it, where can we end up in the table. After the disappointment of the last two matches, losing both by 1 point, can we make a come-back today.
There had been rumours, mostly coming out of The Exiles changing rooms, that the irish were going to play blood some young players today. Lokking at the team that has not happened. Instead they have named a top squad. And we have a good team out as well so it is going to be a good game. When the Irish played us at Franklins Gardens earlier in the season we just pipped them in the last minute of the game with a late try. Delon Armitage got very wound up and used some very bad language towards the ref. I think he was lucky not to get cited after the match. So they will have fire in the belly, plus they still have an outside chance of coming within the top four (if Bath lose to Leeds which seems unlikely), and finally it is Mike Catts last match - all these things add up to a big incentive. But our boys will still be smarting from hearing the Sarries players singing and cheering in the Franklins Gardens changing rooms, they've had an extra break just to get themselves back under control.
Here we go, Come On You Saints!
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Lee Scores
If you go to the Saints site at the moment you can see the tries of the season. I have picked just one to show. Partly because it is Lee scoring, but more because it shows the Saints at their best. We see a counter-attack from within our 22. Fine off-loading and no-one trying to grab the limelight. This is how rugby should be played and tries scored.
Season Tickets
The good news for "A" is that I have bought season tickets. The slightly bad news is that they are like gold dust and trying to get three seats together very difficult, so our options were very limited. We certainly aren't where we were hoping for. Ended up in Block R, Row K. The Churches stand is my least favourite. We were wnating the South Stand, preferably behind the posts as "A" wants to catch the ball after it's been kicked by Smyler. The way I see it though is it gets us on the rung, we can start trying to upgrade from here on but at least we have a starting point. And at least we are guaranteed a seat. The only home matches we have missed this season have been through a lack of tickets. Plus (it's always good to see the positives in life) in the Churches stand we are at least closer to where the players go on and off the pitch so easier to get down and get autographs.
Monday, 3 May 2010
player of the year
I voted for stephan myler as the player of the year because i think he's the best kicker in the world.
season tickets
Tomorrow season tickets will be on sale and I'm hoping my dad will buy some but i don't think it will happen but if my dad is reading this please pretty please by some!
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Player of the Year
It's time to vote for Player of the Year at the Saints. For me that is fairly easy. I don't know who "A" will go for, but I am convinced that there is one player who has worked harder than anyone else this year. There are a few names that spring to mind, Roger Wilson for one, but I beleive that Lee Dickson has made more appearances than anyone else this season. And he has been a terrier in almost every single one of those matches.
Opinion on Lee seems divided. Some believe he should be playing for England. Others seem to think he is nothing more than mediocre. Now I actually don't think he is quite at international level yet, but I am also sure he is more than mediocre, a lot more. He controls the game well, he bosses the scrum around, his defence is among the best, and he is always looking for the quick penalty. He exudes enthusiasm. He is the epitomy of a "terrier", and that is what you need from a scrum half. He does have things to work on, he needs to perfect his spin out of the tackle so he can get a few more tries, he needs to stop waving his arms around as much, and his box kick needs polishing. But simply because he will always put his body on the line (and under the ball to prevent it being grounded) then he is my Player of the Year.
Opinion on Lee seems divided. Some believe he should be playing for England. Others seem to think he is nothing more than mediocre. Now I actually don't think he is quite at international level yet, but I am also sure he is more than mediocre, a lot more. He controls the game well, he bosses the scrum around, his defence is among the best, and he is always looking for the quick penalty. He exudes enthusiasm. He is the epitomy of a "terrier", and that is what you need from a scrum half. He does have things to work on, he needs to perfect his spin out of the tackle so he can get a few more tries, he needs to stop waving his arms around as much, and his box kick needs polishing. But simply because he will always put his body on the line (and under the ball to prevent it being grounded) then he is my Player of the Year.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Up and Down
There has been some talk of expanding the premiership to 14 clubs and then dropping relegation. These "top" 14 clubs wolld be safe and simply have to compete against themselves. I am pleased to see that the idea is blocked, at least for now.
The basis of this has come from claims that the Magners League is stronger than the Guiness Premiership, and arguments that this is because the teams in the ML don't have to worry about relegation. In fact I think it comes a lot more from the fact that they don't have the same wage cap as the English clubs! That aside however, it is impossible to draw comparisons between the two systems. Wales, Ireland and Scotland play regional rugby, the teams in the ML are a region and they are able to draw from all the local clubs in their area. If you look at club level then they still have to compete to avoid relegation. But at regional level they don't because who would they play against if they were relegated - you couldn't really have the Scarlets playing against Cwmbran now could you! However in England we still have a club system, the Saints have their own squad to call upon but they aren't then drawing on talent from all around.
So,unless the English system is completely reworked to form regions, then the current system remains the best, and produces some exciting rugby.
The basis of this has come from claims that the Magners League is stronger than the Guiness Premiership, and arguments that this is because the teams in the ML don't have to worry about relegation. In fact I think it comes a lot more from the fact that they don't have the same wage cap as the English clubs! That aside however, it is impossible to draw comparisons between the two systems. Wales, Ireland and Scotland play regional rugby, the teams in the ML are a region and they are able to draw from all the local clubs in their area. If you look at club level then they still have to compete to avoid relegation. But at regional level they don't because who would they play against if they were relegated - you couldn't really have the Scarlets playing against Cwmbran now could you! However in England we still have a club system, the Saints have their own squad to call upon but they aren't then drawing on talent from all around.
So,unless the English system is completely reworked to form regions, then the current system remains the best, and produces some exciting rugby.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
2 weeks rest
There's no match for the Saints this weekend. It's a long time since they haven't had a match, and it's a good thing that the team have a bit of a rest. They have looked tired. That's the problem of playing so many different leagues - it's difficult enough remembering which one it is when you are supporting them. With the Guiness, the LV and the Heineken Cup its been very full. So a weekend off will probably go down well in order to get their strength up for the final game of the Guiness Premiership against London Irish, before going to the play-offs. If we can beat London Irish then we get a home semi-final, against the Saracens. If we lose and the Sarries beat Leicester then its an away semi-final but still against the Saracens. Basically, whatever happens we have another match against the Sarries, which will make 5 in one season!
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
New Scrum Half
The Saints have signed a scrum half, mainly because Alan Dickens is leaving to concentrate on coaching. Luckily for Lee Dickson, Ryan Powell is coming to the rescue. We were worried about Lee because he has had to play a lot this year and he needed some back-up. Next year was going to be even tougher.
Ryan Powell is a former Welsh international, and he has also played for the Cardiff Blues. Grandma and Grandpa support the Blues and they say he is a very good player. He is now coming to us from the Worcester Warriors who have just been relegated.
Hopefully Lee will still be our number one choice for scrum half, but we will have to see just how good Ryan Powell is. We like Lee and think he is excellent. I have noticed that he doesn't look when we have a kick at the posts, if you watch him you can see him walking away as far as he can.
Ryan Powell is a former Welsh international, and he has also played for the Cardiff Blues. Grandma and Grandpa support the Blues and they say he is a very good player. He is now coming to us from the Worcester Warriors who have just been relegated.
Hopefully Lee will still be our number one choice for scrum half, but we will have to see just how good Ryan Powell is. We like Lee and think he is excellent. I have noticed that he doesn't look when we have a kick at the posts, if you watch him you can see him walking away as far as he can.
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Saints 27 - Saracens 28
I got the overall number of tries correct, but the wrong way around. Saints only scored two while the on-form Sarries scored three. This running rugby from the Sarries comes from a change of game plan after the Saints had beated them twice at Franklins Gardens earlier in the season during the LV Cup, so in a way we have ourselves to blame.
In fact, the Saints have themselves to blame in a lot of ways for losing this match. For the first 20 minutes of the game the team did not seem to really get going, and overall they were looking tired throughout. A long campaign has started to catch up with them. Then the defence, which earlier in the year was so strong, has begun to show holes. The last few matches have seen us letting in tries, something that wasn't happening before. And finally the restarts are terrible, whether by us or the oppostion, we aren't winning the contest and this keeps us on the back foot.
It was a close match, only ever a point between it. And a score by the Saints in the last two minutes looked as though it might have been another of those last minute get-outs that we have seen so often. Unfortunately Shane couldn't convert, and the end result was that the Franklins fortress was broken.
Scorers
Saints - Tries: Penalty, Foden; Con: Myler; Pens: Myler (5)
Saracens - Tries: Joubert, Powell, Penney; Con: Jackson (2); Pens: Jackson (3)
In fact, the Saints have themselves to blame in a lot of ways for losing this match. For the first 20 minutes of the game the team did not seem to really get going, and overall they were looking tired throughout. A long campaign has started to catch up with them. Then the defence, which earlier in the year was so strong, has begun to show holes. The last few matches have seen us letting in tries, something that wasn't happening before. And finally the restarts are terrible, whether by us or the oppostion, we aren't winning the contest and this keeps us on the back foot.
It was a close match, only ever a point between it. And a score by the Saints in the last two minutes looked as though it might have been another of those last minute get-outs that we have seen so often. Unfortunately Shane couldn't convert, and the end result was that the Franklins fortress was broken.
Scorers
Saints - Tries: Penalty, Foden; Con: Myler; Pens: Myler (5)
Saracens - Tries: Joubert, Powell, Penney; Con: Jackson (2); Pens: Jackson (3)
Friday, 23 April 2010
Team Up
So I wasn't quite right. Instead we have:
Fodes, Flash, Downey, Clarke, Brooce, Smyler, Lee, Tiny, Dylan, Murray, Lobbe, Kruger, Lawes, Dowson, Wilson.
I missed Lobbe off and moving Lawes to flanker to start intead of Beast.
It's a good team. And it will need to be. Sarries are playing good running rugby again and scoring a lot of tries. Whereas our defence has been weaker for the last month or so. I expect a high scoring game. The first thing though will be avoiding a yellow card. We've had a yellow in both of the last two matches. The front row is likely to be a hot-house, with a few niggles left over from the "Tiny" saga, then Dylan coming up against Brits. Hopefully people can keep a check on their tempers.
I'm going for a close win, Saints scoring three tries and the Sarries scoring 2.
Fodes, Flash, Downey, Clarke, Brooce, Smyler, Lee, Tiny, Dylan, Murray, Lobbe, Kruger, Lawes, Dowson, Wilson.
I missed Lobbe off and moving Lawes to flanker to start intead of Beast.
It's a good team. And it will need to be. Sarries are playing good running rugby again and scoring a lot of tries. Whereas our defence has been weaker for the last month or so. I expect a high scoring game. The first thing though will be avoiding a yellow card. We've had a yellow in both of the last two matches. The front row is likely to be a hot-house, with a few niggles left over from the "Tiny" saga, then Dylan coming up against Brits. Hopefully people can keep a check on their tempers.
I'm going for a close win, Saints scoring three tries and the Sarries scoring 2.
Team Prediction
Hopefully later today we will learn the team for the Sarries match tomorrow. However, this shouldn't be too difficult to predict so I will give it a go.
Fodes, Flash, Downey, Clarke, Brooce, Smyler, Lee, Tiny, Dylan, Murray, Kruger, Lawes, Dowson, Best, Wilson.
Fodes, Flash, Downey, Clarke, Brooce, Smyler, Lee, Tiny, Dylan, Murray, Kruger, Lawes, Dowson, Best, Wilson.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Benuna Forever
Ben Foden has helped release a charity single. He is supporting STOP, an anti-bullying campaign. The Saints have been involved in a lot of local charity work for children so this is another step.
To be honest though, Ben has not been adverse to a bit of singing for a while. He is currently going out with Una Healy, and videos of them singing together keep popping up on You Tube as "Benuna".
To be honest though, Ben has not been adverse to a bit of singing for a while. He is currently going out with Una Healy, and videos of them singing together keep popping up on You Tube as "Benuna".
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Smiling About Smyler
If he comes on to play against the Sarries on Saturday then it is going to be Smylers 100th appearence for the Saints.
He's our best kicker and he is loved by the fans. I think he is really good, excellent, amazing. So far he has scored 715 points in this time for us. Like Flash he came from rugby league and has made the change well. Earlier in the season his kicking was a bit off target but it has improved a lot since Christmas. And we saw a wonderful drop goal a few weeks ago that won the match.
Hopefully he will be leading the team out.
He's our best kicker and he is loved by the fans. I think he is really good, excellent, amazing. So far he has scored 715 points in this time for us. Like Flash he came from rugby league and has made the change well. Earlier in the season his kicking was a bit off target but it has improved a lot since Christmas. And we saw a wonderful drop goal a few weeks ago that won the match.
Hopefully he will be leading the team out.
The End of an Era
Rumour has it that Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe is hanging up his his boots at the end of this season. This is very sad. Not just a club player, over his time he has been capped by the Pumas 66 times, and has played in three World Cups.
He joined the Saints in 2008 and has proved himself a force of strength in the scrum. He can certainly play rugby and has captained the team a number of times this year, including last nights game against Bath.
However he is now 35 and it is time for him to retire. He is going to be missed very much.
He joined the Saints in 2008 and has proved himself a force of strength in the scrum. He can certainly play rugby and has captained the team a number of times this year, including last nights game against Bath.
However he is now 35 and it is time for him to retire. He is going to be missed very much.
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Bath 21 - Saints 20 Final Score
So, close at the end. A bonus point which is important, when I expected a bigger gap. One try to the Saints, which was what I expected, but only two for Bath. The penalties and a conversion made the difference in the end. Neil Best getting a yellow card was the killer blow, playing the last 8 minutes down to 14 men. The three points from Olly Barkley took Bath ahead and the Saints just couldn't claw it back, despite what sounded like a valiant effort. In fact, at the end they clearly didn't want to simply settle for the bonus point and were trying to get the lead back. A drop goal attempt by Shane sounded a hope rather than an expected score, but it was worth a go.
Scores
Saints - Try: Digger. Pens: Shane Geraghty x5
Bath - Tries: Mears; Banahan. Cons: Barklay x1. Pens: Barkley x3
Scores
Saints - Try: Digger. Pens: Shane Geraghty x5
Bath - Tries: Mears; Banahan. Cons: Barklay x1. Pens: Barkley x3
Half time Bath 11 - Saints 8
Most expecting Bath to run away with this match, they have kept a strong team whereas the Saints are playing a lot of their second tier. First half was tough. Barry Everitt weak under the high ball and not having the positional sense that is needed. But for most of it the Saints had it under control, even in the lead. Digger got a try, as I expected. And defence was strong despite repeated attacks from Bath. So where did it go wrong? Basically the last 5 minutes and two poor throw-ins from Brett Sharman. From a strong position one throw-in stolen by Bath and the Saints booted back down into their 22. Then a second mistake, another throw-in stolen by Bath and a try in the last seconds of the half. So Bath go in, just in the lead. What is Jim going to do, bring on the heavy guns or stick with the team on the pitch. Hoping that Andy Long comes on for Brett to start the second half.
Advice on autographs
Have you ever thought that getting autographs would be a fun thing to do? I personally thought it would be a fun thing to do but I didn't know where to go. It seemed wrong to ask for an autograph before the match but then I still didn't know where to go after the match. However last weekend i found out how to get them so here is my advice:
It was the end of the Gloucester match and i saw my friend 'N' as we were walking back. We stopped to say hello outside the corner of the tetleys stand and south stand. We started talking about the munster match because we saw them there as well. Suddenly Joe Ansbro walked past us. As soon as i saw him i got my pen and paper out and 'N' and i ran up to him and asked if he could sign my book and to my surprise he did. As we stayed there i got about 2 autographs a minute because more and more of the saints came out. So i got 18 autographs altoghether, including Flash, Fodes and Smyler.
So hang around for a hour after the match, they are all friendly.
And one more thing enjoy yourself!
It was the end of the Gloucester match and i saw my friend 'N' as we were walking back. We stopped to say hello outside the corner of the tetleys stand and south stand. We started talking about the munster match because we saw them there as well. Suddenly Joe Ansbro walked past us. As soon as i saw him i got my pen and paper out and 'N' and i ran up to him and asked if he could sign my book and to my surprise he did. As we stayed there i got about 2 autographs a minute because more and more of the saints came out. So i got 18 autographs altoghether, including Flash, Fodes and Smyler.
So hang around for a hour after the match, they are all friendly.
And one more thing enjoy yourself!
Monday, 19 April 2010
Bath Preview
Three games in 7 days is never going to be easy. Especially not at the end of a season when your key players are tiring. And especially when your EPS players are only allowed a limited number if minutes in any week period (the Premiership defining a week as 9 days!). So the team for the Bath match tomorrow night, postponed from the snow earlier in the year, includes some names that are almost unknown this season:
15 Barry Everitt; 14 Paul Diggin; 13 Joe Ansbro; 12 Jon Clarke; 11 Bruce Reihana; 10 Shane Geraghty; 9 Alan Dickens; 1 Regardt Dreyer; 2 Brett Sharman; 3 Brian Mujati; 4 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe (capt); 5 James Cannon; 6 Mark Easter; 7 Neil Best; 8 Mark Hopley
Some good names there (very happy to see Digger back, he played fantastically while the capped players were off for the 6 nations, and I felt it tough on him that he got dropped), and a few more on the bench, but others that have struggled to get game time. Overall, not a good feel about it. Bath have named a strong side, they aren't taking risks, they want the win. Against a Saints line-up who have no experience together. Despite the presence of The Mooj, the front row is likely to struggle in the scrum. We won't have the set piece play. This will be a tough match and, much as it pains me to say it, I give Bath the edge. Predicting final score 24-13. I will retain a get out clause however, the Shane factor, if he plays a blinder then it will turn the game on its head.
15 Barry Everitt; 14 Paul Diggin; 13 Joe Ansbro; 12 Jon Clarke; 11 Bruce Reihana; 10 Shane Geraghty; 9 Alan Dickens; 1 Regardt Dreyer; 2 Brett Sharman; 3 Brian Mujati; 4 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe (capt); 5 James Cannon; 6 Mark Easter; 7 Neil Best; 8 Mark Hopley
Some good names there (very happy to see Digger back, he played fantastically while the capped players were off for the 6 nations, and I felt it tough on him that he got dropped), and a few more on the bench, but others that have struggled to get game time. Overall, not a good feel about it. Bath have named a strong side, they aren't taking risks, they want the win. Against a Saints line-up who have no experience together. Despite the presence of The Mooj, the front row is likely to struggle in the scrum. We won't have the set piece play. This will be a tough match and, much as it pains me to say it, I give Bath the edge. Predicting final score 24-13. I will retain a get out clause however, the Shane factor, if he plays a blinder then it will turn the game on its head.
EuroTable - European Club Rugby Ranking
The Eurotable provides rankings for 46 teams across the 6 key rugby countries in Europe. It is based on performance over the last 30 games and has been running since 2000 (there is a football equivalent as well). It provides a form guide to compare the teams, with the top team having a rating of 100.
Position - Club - Rating
1 Leinster 100.00
2 Northampton 93.26
3 Munster 86.29
4 Toulon 82.99
5 Toulouse 80.47
6 Leicester 79.82
7 Cardiff Blues 77.99
8 ASM Clermont Auvergne 72.99
9 Biarritz Olympique 72.79
10 Wasps 72.05
11 Perpignan 67.87
12 Edinburgh 67.33
13 Bath 66.32
14 Saracens 66.04
15 Glasgow Warriors 65.88
16 Ospreys 65.82
17 Gloucester 64.95
18 Racing Metro 92 63.69
19 Newport Gwent Dragons 60.55
20 London Irish 60.28
The Saints are doing even better than before!
Come On You Saints!
Position - Club - Rating
1 Leinster 100.00
2 Northampton 93.26
3 Munster 86.29
4 Toulon 82.99
5 Toulouse 80.47
6 Leicester 79.82
7 Cardiff Blues 77.99
8 ASM Clermont Auvergne 72.99
9 Biarritz Olympique 72.79
10 Wasps 72.05
11 Perpignan 67.87
12 Edinburgh 67.33
13 Bath 66.32
14 Saracens 66.04
15 Glasgow Warriors 65.88
16 Ospreys 65.82
17 Gloucester 64.95
18 Racing Metro 92 63.69
19 Newport Gwent Dragons 60.55
20 London Irish 60.28
The Saints are doing even better than before!
Come On You Saints!
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Standings In The League
In another weekend of rugby the Saints are 2nd in the league with Leicester at the top, with both teams getting bonus points from their matches, but the Saints remain a game in hand.
A surprise at London Irish however saw them going down to Leeds despite the home advantage. That moves Leeds higher up the table and may mean that they are almost safe from relegation but it isn't looking good for Worcester languishing at the bottom after yet another defeat.
Next time Saints are against Leicester may be the very final game at the end of the season, and I hope that they are going to be crushed, but you never know!
A surprise at London Irish however saw them going down to Leeds despite the home advantage. That moves Leeds higher up the table and may mean that they are almost safe from relegation but it isn't looking good for Worcester languishing at the bottom after yet another defeat.
Next time Saints are against Leicester may be the very final game at the end of the season, and I hope that they are going to be crushed, but you never know!
Saints 38 - Gloucester 23
Since winning the LV Cup final, it could be said that the Saints haven't been firing on all cylinders. Culminating in the loss to Munster a week ago. How could they fare against Gloucester, a team out for revenge as this was a rematch of that LV Cup final, and one definitely on the up since Christmas.
The match didn't start well for the Saints. Within 3 minutes Gloucester had a penalty kicked by Nicky Robinson. Was this going to go the same way as the Munster match? From early on it was clear that the ref didn't like our front row. This was going to become important later in the match. But Stephen Myler came back with a penalty for the Saints at 8 minutes and we were starting to show a bit more form. Restarts were to continue to look shakey (another echo from the Munster trip) but we were definitely up for running rugby. The Saints had the edge in the line-outs but scrums were a little less predictable, sometimes one way, sometimes another.
A rush of lood to the head saw Gloucester taking a quick penalty instead of going for the points between the sticks. Saints got turn-over ball and Ben Foden hoofed the ball down the pitch. Although Gloucester had the throw in a magnificent leap by Courtney won the ball, it was worked out to the middle, then found Flash who split Gloucester defence in two with his speed and perfect line to score the first try. With Smyler being on form, Saints were up 10-3 within quarter of an hour.
The Saints were penalised immediately on the restart, but Nicky Robinson had not brought his kicking boots and was unable to claim the points. Things remained tense, despite another Smyler penalty. Then Gloucester made the break they needed and scored. 13-10. And then another penalty to the Saints, 16-10. This game could go anywhere. The end of the half saw the Saints in the lead, but Gloucester ahd made one more attack and almost got the try, foiled only by James Downey knocking the ball over the dead ball line before Gloucester could get their hands on it.
The second half started with the same intensity. The Cherry and Whites got a penalty. Then Dylan Hartley scored a try for the Saints. Another penalty to Gloucester. Then a second try for Flash. But I said earlier that the ref had taken a dislike to the Saints front row. At this point it came to haunt us, Dylan receiving a yellow card for cynical killing of the ball. The yellow card cost the Saints 10 points, with a penlaty, a try and a conversion all tucked away. 30-23, and again it could go any way. But the try came at the end of the ten minutes and the Saints were back to full strength.
Along with others, Smyler was subbed and Shane Geraghty came on. Always a scary moment for a Saints fan. Shane can show class and magic, but he can also fall over drastically. And there was little leaway here. Shane soon had his opportunity with a penalty, which was fairly straight forward, but we have all seen Shane hit the cross-bar from "relatively simple" kicks. He didn't fail this time. The Saints were 10 points ahead.
But there we were at the end, seconds ticking down, and we had failed to get our fourth try. A bonus point at this point in the season was essential, but it wasn't going to be. Until suddenly Bruce Reihana had the ball. A wonderful darting run down the left wing, with chants of "Brooce Brooce Brooce", side-stepping (or just going through) tackles. And he was there, over the try line. To the amazement of everyone he did not touch down however, instead passing the ball to Chris Ashton who was on his right shoulder so that Flash could touch down and get his hat-trick.
Bruce is a real soldier for the club and a real hero. He is everything you could want from a player, completely selfless. Over the years he has turned down the chance to go back to New Zealand and stake his place in the All Blacks, and turned down an offer from Munster when we were relegated. We are incredibly lucky to have him, as he symbolises everything that is good about rugby.
Gloucester came to Franklins Gardens knowing how hard it is to win at this fortress. But they came here planning to play rugby and not just spoil ball. Great credit to them, worthy opponents, and in many ways they deserved to get at least a point from this match. This match flowed back and forth, with attacks and counter-attacks abounding. And credit to the Gloucester fans as well, valiant and polite in defeat.
Scores
Saints - Tries: Chris Ashton x 3; Dylan Hartley. Cons: Stephen Myler x3. Pens: Stephen Myler x 3; Shane Geraghty
Gloucester - Tries: Charlie Sharples; Dave Attwood. Cons: Nicky Robinson x 2. Pens: Nicky Robinson x 3
The match didn't start well for the Saints. Within 3 minutes Gloucester had a penalty kicked by Nicky Robinson. Was this going to go the same way as the Munster match? From early on it was clear that the ref didn't like our front row. This was going to become important later in the match. But Stephen Myler came back with a penalty for the Saints at 8 minutes and we were starting to show a bit more form. Restarts were to continue to look shakey (another echo from the Munster trip) but we were definitely up for running rugby. The Saints had the edge in the line-outs but scrums were a little less predictable, sometimes one way, sometimes another.
A rush of lood to the head saw Gloucester taking a quick penalty instead of going for the points between the sticks. Saints got turn-over ball and Ben Foden hoofed the ball down the pitch. Although Gloucester had the throw in a magnificent leap by Courtney won the ball, it was worked out to the middle, then found Flash who split Gloucester defence in two with his speed and perfect line to score the first try. With Smyler being on form, Saints were up 10-3 within quarter of an hour.
The Saints were penalised immediately on the restart, but Nicky Robinson had not brought his kicking boots and was unable to claim the points. Things remained tense, despite another Smyler penalty. Then Gloucester made the break they needed and scored. 13-10. And then another penalty to the Saints, 16-10. This game could go anywhere. The end of the half saw the Saints in the lead, but Gloucester ahd made one more attack and almost got the try, foiled only by James Downey knocking the ball over the dead ball line before Gloucester could get their hands on it.
The second half started with the same intensity. The Cherry and Whites got a penalty. Then Dylan Hartley scored a try for the Saints. Another penalty to Gloucester. Then a second try for Flash. But I said earlier that the ref had taken a dislike to the Saints front row. At this point it came to haunt us, Dylan receiving a yellow card for cynical killing of the ball. The yellow card cost the Saints 10 points, with a penlaty, a try and a conversion all tucked away. 30-23, and again it could go any way. But the try came at the end of the ten minutes and the Saints were back to full strength.
Along with others, Smyler was subbed and Shane Geraghty came on. Always a scary moment for a Saints fan. Shane can show class and magic, but he can also fall over drastically. And there was little leaway here. Shane soon had his opportunity with a penalty, which was fairly straight forward, but we have all seen Shane hit the cross-bar from "relatively simple" kicks. He didn't fail this time. The Saints were 10 points ahead.
But there we were at the end, seconds ticking down, and we had failed to get our fourth try. A bonus point at this point in the season was essential, but it wasn't going to be. Until suddenly Bruce Reihana had the ball. A wonderful darting run down the left wing, with chants of "Brooce Brooce Brooce", side-stepping (or just going through) tackles. And he was there, over the try line. To the amazement of everyone he did not touch down however, instead passing the ball to Chris Ashton who was on his right shoulder so that Flash could touch down and get his hat-trick.
Bruce is a real soldier for the club and a real hero. He is everything you could want from a player, completely selfless. Over the years he has turned down the chance to go back to New Zealand and stake his place in the All Blacks, and turned down an offer from Munster when we were relegated. We are incredibly lucky to have him, as he symbolises everything that is good about rugby.
Gloucester came to Franklins Gardens knowing how hard it is to win at this fortress. But they came here planning to play rugby and not just spoil ball. Great credit to them, worthy opponents, and in many ways they deserved to get at least a point from this match. This match flowed back and forth, with attacks and counter-attacks abounding. And credit to the Gloucester fans as well, valiant and polite in defeat.
Scores
Saints - Tries: Chris Ashton x 3; Dylan Hartley. Cons: Stephen Myler x3. Pens: Stephen Myler x 3; Shane Geraghty
Gloucester - Tries: Charlie Sharples; Dave Attwood. Cons: Nicky Robinson x 2. Pens: Nicky Robinson x 3
Friday, 16 April 2010
Tiny Stays With The Saints
After a prolonged and disruptive disagreement with the Saracens, the two teams have come to an amicable agreement. This is a relief for all as the name-calling, especially from the Sarries direction, was getting a bit much and casting a cloud over the usual good relations between clubs. Exactly what the agreement is, nobody knows. While there have been rumours of the Saints paying off the Sarries, these appear unfounded.
Whatever has gone on, the good news is that one of our best loved players, Tiny, is staying with The Saints. The end of the season can now continue without lawyers getting in the way, and all can concentrate on the rugby. We will be sure to welcome the Sarries to Franklins Gardens on the 24th April.
Whatever has gone on, the good news is that one of our best loved players, Tiny, is staying with The Saints. The end of the season can now continue without lawyers getting in the way, and all can concentrate on the rugby. We will be sure to welcome the Sarries to Franklins Gardens on the 24th April.
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