News: The Boys Are Back in Town - Wasps Match Report
By Bonso
March 28 2011
On paper this game looked tough and I think before the match we were all a little apprehensive. Several questions would be answered. Primarily whether the Saints would rediscover their pre-Christmas form and secondly whether the Toulouse beating Wasps would show up and prevent Saints playing with power pace and tempo...
Aviva Premiership Round 18
Saints 39 v 3 London Wasps
Sunday 27th March, KO 1.45pm
Franklin's Gardens
Initially it seemed the latter as Wasps started brightly only for a forward pass to stop them as they probed. Saints marched up the field stretching the Wasps defence and gained 3 points as Wasps were penalised for not rolling away.
Next for me came a game defining moment. Good work from Walder sent Kefu towards the Saints line odds on for the opening try, but the tackle of the day from Diggin saw him wrapped up and knocking on. Wasps did come away with 3 for their efforts as Saints infringed from the resulting scrum.
The 1st try did come shortly after that, when Saints probing with width and patience sent Mujati in from 5 metres in the corner by the Shrubbery. Myler duly landed a very difficult 2 points and it was 10–3. It must be said though that it was a sublime pass from Hartley that sent the Mooj in.
The pace of the game was fast with both sides playing with ball in hand
and attacking intent. However it was the Saints who had the upper hand
in the set piece and that power began to tell as a series of offences in
the scrum gifted the Saints pack with a penalty try near the Shrubbery.
Next came one of those breathless end to end to end to end periods of play. No score resulting but plenty of endeavour from the likes of Walder and Haughton.
Chris Ashton was given a rousing chorus of “one wing in England” as a welcome home but was then annoyed somewhat as the other half of C Block chanted “Digger Digger” in response. Ashton then produced a sublime piece of skill to send Foden in by the Shrubbery. Good work by Clarke and Dowson sent Ashton flying down the wing. Ashton rather than taking contact put an inch perfect grubber kick through for Foden to win the footrace and score. Myler missed the 2 but did hit the upright which as we all know takes a lot of skill.
So 22-3 at half-time.
At the start of the second half Wasps tried to apply some pressure but
it eventually came to nought as Saints patient defence eventually
brought a pressure relieving penalty when Cannon was penalised for
holding on.
The next stage of the game was steady Saints pressure eventually leading to a regulation Myler 3 points for Wasps infringing offside 25-3.
54 minutes the limping Myler was replaced by Geraghty. I thought Myler
had one of his better days and controlled the game well with especially
good service to the centres to counter Wasps blitz defence.
By now the Saints pack were dominant with Lawes strong tackling in particular to the fore. It is a testament to Van Gisbergans durability that he was able to play on after one encounter. Saints despite further changes continued to attack, but unfortunately nothing seemed to be going to hand to finish some excellent approach work. Patience was called for.
Eventually the pressure told quick ball and Hartley’s slick hands sent
Flash in for the bonus try down the slope in the corner. Geraghty added
the tricky 2 and we all relaxed.
Into the last 10 now and Foden’s break nearly sent in Calum Clark, the flanker spilling the ball attempting to cross the line. From the resulting scrum the Saints pack pushed Wasps off their own ball and Commins dotted down for the try S.G added the 2. Job done.
Although Lawes was named man of the match for me it could have been any
number of players in the Gold Black and Green today. It was a great team
performance and a fantastic exhibition of fast open rugby from both
sides.
Oh and some bloke called Lucy had a run.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Thank you.
well written and what fun!No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Cheers Bonso.
Saint til I die
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Was my first visit to the Gardens and thought the stadium/fans/atmosphere were outstanding, certainly puts games at Adams Park into perspective.
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143