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)