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
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
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!
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