Blues 19 - Saints 23

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)

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.

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.

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)