Sale V Saints MoTM
By Saint Tim
November 28 2010
The so called Enya game is used to be one of my favourite games to go to – but the switch to Friday night games means it is now many years since I have managed to travel to Manchester for the game. I know that I am not the only person this applies to and the travelling support is much reduced. Sale has traditionally not been a very happy hunting ground for the Saints but this may be starting to turn with victories in the last two seasons.
Who was your MoTM as Saints won away at Sale?
I wonder if any of the statos out there have a list of the relative performances against teams home and away as my mind may be playing tricks on me.
This was of course the return to the real action during the Autumn Internationals and whilst many are not too worried about the LV cup as that could be seen as a development opportunity, the league is however important. Saints decided to give a league debut to 18 year old Jamie Elliot who had played well at Sarries and impressed when he came on against Dragons. Also at full back was youngster Greg Tonks although he has already played Heineken Cup games. Maybe the LV Cup is giving players an opportunity!
It was by all accounts another fine display of forward power but this week no forward scored. Indeed Tiny must be getting quite worried about his try scoring drought! An early Myler penalty was more than cancelled out when Ben, ex of this parish, Cohen was on the end of a break away try after an interception deep in Sale territory. Two further Myler penalties before the half time whistle meant that Saints were 7 – 9 ahead at the turn around.
It took a while for the scoreboard to get into the action again and it was once again for the Saints as Greg Tonks went in at the corner. Elliot fielded a cross kick from Myler near the touch line and recognising he was about to be driven into touch he calmly passed back inside to Tonks who dived over for the score which was not converted. A penalty then kept Sale within a losing bonus point result but Saints had other ideas as they went in search of another score and this time it was Elliot who scored again out wide and once again it was not converted. This was the final scoring of the game and Saints left Stockport with 4 points leaving Sale with nothing.
So, who caught the eye?
In joint second place were Stephen Myler and Ryan Powell with just over 10% of the votes. Stephen is beginning to get into a groove. He is mixing things up more and keeping defences guessing. Alos those touch finders seem to have gained a few yards which all helps.
Ryan Powell is showing himself to be another astute signing by big Jim. He is not a flashy scrum half, he just gets on with the job. Lee Dickson may have a bit of a squabble for the shirt when he is recovered from his injury.
The run-away winner however was young Jamie Elliot on his League debut. As mentioned above Jamie had a hand in both tries. Both could have been missed but he kept a cool head on both to score. I hear that Jamie’s nick name within the dressing room is “the Future” and I think the 50% who voted for Jamie might just agree. Well done young man.
Finally thanks to the 39 who voted. I know it is the lowest of the season but it is a long way to go on a Friday night.
Full Result
Previous Winners
Vote History
Who wins?
Leaderboard
So another new player gets added to the leaderboard. This is the closest I can remember this being. We have had 10 different winners in 12 matches. That is showing the depth of talent that is in the current Saints squad.
Players Used
So far this season we have used 31 different players. It is interesting to note that Chris Ashton has only played in 50% of our games.
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See you snuck in a shot of the young man getting his second try on Friday night
ClaireJ
RedHatPhoto.com review of 2015 photos here...
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I usually try and use photos from the actual game but sometimes I cannot.
He does look very assured indeed for someone so young. I was very impressed watching against Irish. He is a real handful already - just what he may be like in a couple of years.
“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
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:11:28:14:02:49 by Christy.
Quote:St Francis
A quick comment about the current poll (vs Irish) - Brian Mujati started, not Tom Mercey.
StF, whilst The Mooj started, he was subbed through injury and Tom played more of the game.
Phil has it exactly correct.
“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