News: I never felt more like singing the blues....
By Howlin'
March 29 2009
Well I woke up this morning der der der der. But no my dog hadn't died nor had my woman done gone. Instead I joined a small party of intrepid Saints supporters and headed off to the Butts Park Arena in Coventry. As I stood looking at the pictures on the wall in the club house of their past internationals which include Fran Cotton, Barry Corless, David Duckham and Danny Grewcock
EDFCup 2009 - Semi-Final
Cardiff Blues v Northampton Saints
Saturday 29th March, Ricoh Stadium Coventry KO 5:15
I considered how things change. Coventry were a big rugby club producing England Internationals and now they languish in the lower league. Last season Saints came here to fulfil a league fixture. But today I am here for a beer festival before going to see the Saints play up the road at the Rich stadium in a semi final of the EDF cup (the Anglo-Welsh) against Cardiff Blues; one of the top European teams on current form. A team that has already put some top English Premiership sides to the sword this season; a side that has six of its seven substitutes with Welsh international caps. How things have changed for the Saints in the past 18 months. Today will be another chance to measure just how far they have come and it is a day I am determined to enjoy. A beer festival at the home of Coventry rugby was a great place to start.
Sadly for the Saints the match didn't start as well. Within a minute a penalty is awarded to Cardiff in front of the posts for hands in the ruck and the score is 3-0. For the remainder of the half Cardiff dominate the possession and the territory . This is largely due to the different fortunes of Myler for the Saints and Robinson for the Blues with their tactical kicking. Myler tries more variety but rarely effectively. His touch finders lack conviction and range and he misses his penalty opportunity around 9 mins in. Robinson keeps Saints pinned back with some long range touch finders and some wickedly bouncing kicks that keep the pressure on the Saints defence.
Saints defence is however magnificent and several times forces Cardiff back or turns over possession. But all too often precious possession is then given away by loose kicking or knocking on. Most significantly on 23 mins when a Downey break sees Ansbro cough the ball up with the try line at his mercy. Had he scored though it would have been against the run of play as Cardiff's share of the ball also sees them 5-3 ahead on penalties awarded. Luckily for Saints they miss touch a couple of times to relieve the pressure a little.
Saints defence continues to be resolute but their chances to attack are few. One hack through from Dylan results in a frantic chase back , but Shanklin wins the race and Cardiff survive.
Then comes the breakthrough. A Blair clearance finds touch. The referee calls back the quick throw. Dylan overthrows at the lineout and the ball is lost. Cardiff press and eventually Spice bursts through a ruck to touch down. The conversion is missed. 8-0.
Saints create one more chance before the break with a Myler chip through but this time Diggin and Foden both go for the ball and it is knocked on. Half time.
The second half starts with a bang as a scrum to Saints sees an inside pass put Best through the gap. A few passes later and Myler puts Ansbro into the corner for a strong finish. The TMO is called in to adjudicate but luckily the replay shows that Ansbro dived cleverly to avoid Ashley Rowden's stomach and the try is awarded. Conversion missed 8-5 game on and I win £15.00 in the sweepstake for first Saints try scorer so its smiles all round.
Now the second half is a much more even contest with both teams playing a very fast attacking game. But also both defences are top notch and the tackling is fierce. Both Halfpenny and James break through for Cardiff but are well tackled, Shanklin goes close but is bundled into touch. Saints create too but knock on at crucial moments. In these big matches it all goes so fast and the few chances created have to be taken. Saints will learn.
Myler's latest mistake with the ball from hand sees him replaced on 60 mins but "Barry the Boot" goes on to miss a pen in front of the posts that would have made it 8-8 and later misses his touchfinder with a pen on 78 mins. That would have put Saints deep in Cardiff territory. Dickens, Soane and Lawes are all used from the bench as Saints try to pull back the deficit but the half sees Cardiff extend their lead with another pen and Saints finish the game on another attack that sadly ends with yet another knock on.
So Saints are out. One last chance for an HC place remains and I believe is well within this teams grasp. I am hugely encouraged by the brand of rugby this squad are playing. Their defence was superb and most of the mistakes are made due to the sheer pace and ambition they are playing with.They were not outclassed as some commentators predicted by a very good European side and the shortcomings are manageable. The experience the younger players in this squad will have gained from playing in this game will be another building block in place for the future. But if Jim and Dorian needed a reminder of their recruitment priorities I suggest they now know, if they didn't already, that another top fly half should be high on the list. Big games need big players and it was a touch ironic that a day made for the King saw him discarded by one of the teams involved and cup tied for one of the others. How he may have graced that stage we will now never know. I've a feeling he may remind us of the possibilities next week !
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:01:23:50:38 by Phil..
Bridesmaids no more.
A small point - the TV analysis showed that Dylan did not overthrow the lineout that led to Blues' try. It was poor old Best, wandering around aimlessly and completely misreading the call to lift, so that the ball sailed over the jumper's head.
A very accurate and readable report, for which much thanks.
Saint til I die
Cardiff were at the top of their game going forward, but your defense was stunning, i see no reason why HEC Rugby won't be at Franklin's Gardens next year, and if it is, i really look forward to a trip over.
Good luck in your remianing GP matches, and thanks for a great game.
PS - Our report is now available if your interested, cheers guys!
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
One of our lot commented about the touch judge,"Is that Ashley Round One?"
Quote:Must admit, we thought the same of Nigel Owen in the first match. Wondered if he had eaten all the pies? Maybe it was the kit they were given to wear - the colour wasn't exactly flattering nor the material. But what do I know?"Is that Ashley Round One?"
Nice report, Howlin, by the way.
Take the rest of the week off...
