News: Quarter Qualifiers and Quality Quartet - Saints 37:0
By Desbralass
January 16 2011
The day started well with Saints being mentioned on Radio 2.The sports report announced that Saints could be the first team to qualify for the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup if they win with a try bonus point.Time would tell. After a mad dash to Northampton,we arrived at the queue for chips and chat. Player injuries were discussed,and the difference the absentees would make to the game tonight - opinions on the fitness of Bruce were divided - one gent mentioned that he'd watched the Wanderers on Monday and Bruce was a shadow of his former self...what does he know?
Heineken Cup Pool Stage Round 5
Northampton Saints v Edinburgh Gunners
Friday 14th January 2011, Franklin's Gardens
KO 8pm
In the village before KO, our music playing friend told us that he'd learnt something about bagpipes. Apparently, the sound comes out of, not the top, but the bottom of the instrument: there's an opening for the wits amongst us to comment: I myself shall refrain.
So to the game. A fiesty start saw Myler floored in the first minute - always a worry when a player stays down - an unintentional clash of heads, but after the team mechanics attended him, he was up and playing again.
Saints first lineout saw normal service resumed with Woody taking the catch. A penalty gave Saints the opportunity for another lineout, this time Daisy taking the catch. A third lineout, catch and drive and eventually a try was awarded. A strange thing, as no one seemed to realise that we'd scored until Sir asked for the TMO to take a look. . and yes, try to The Mooj! Smyler seemed to suffer no ill effects from his head clash. . . convertion was good and Saints were 7 - 0.
The restart was truly awful, the ball barely going 5 meters. The resulting scrum was penalised and Edinburgh were off. Tim Visser looked very sharp on the wing, but the move came to nought. Saints drove over at the breakdown, much as they'd done to Tigers the previous weekend. A penalty to the visitors, but Patterson's kick drifted just to the left of the upright. Again Visser broke down the wing, but passed forward. He'd again skinned Jo Ansbro, who looked uncomfortable on the wing.
Saints had another lineout that resulted in a very kickable penalty for Smyler, and a ticking off for Edinburgh for collapsing the maul. 10 - 0 to Saints with 16 mins on the clock. On 25 minutes, a scrum to Jimmies and the most noticeable thing to my eyes was a glimpse of Tiny's foundationwear. Does he shop at the same place as Wilma?
The next scrum for the home team was much better, a good drive upfield and a penalty given for going up in the scrum. A lineout cleanly taken and Jon Clarke burst through, but the move eventually ended with a knock forward by Roger Wilson. The next lineout was a messy affair, but advantage to Saints and Smyler chipped through - Digger gathered and scored in the corner. Lovely try. 15 - 0.
Edinburgh then played some lovely rugby, passing beautifully and the super pick up by the captain, but Visser just couldn't break through. Chris Patterson left the field and David Blair took on the kicking duties, but his first attemt drifted just wide. As half time approached, from the Saints 22, Edinburgh fumbled and the home side attack again. Just on 40, a scrum on half way - all that was needed was to cear the ball, but a penalty given and upfield again we went. Edinburgh then had the chance of an interception, but dropped the ball. At this point, the TJ was holding out his flag - and a yellow for Trainer was given. The kick from Smyler was missed and thankfully it was half time.
The half time announcement was interesting. . . a proposal of marriage, which was duly accepted. Good Luck to the happy couple, but do remember to make your arrangements for non rugby days!
The start of the second half gave Saints a very early penalty, I think for Edinburgh blocking. 3 more from the reliable boot of Smyler 18 - 0.
The game then ambled quietly along, Saints not seeming to take advantage of their extra man. Perhaps that says more about our visitors and the determination not to concede any more points. Back to a full compliment at about 48 mins and the crowd needed something to liven them up. Perhaps it's the lateness of the KO time, but after a busy working week, maybe folk are just a bit tired. No matter, back to the game.
Edinburgh gained yards upfield with Saints giving away penalties - they kicked for the line and came within about 7 meteres of the line only for a low pass from one Blair brother to his sibling to end in a knock on. This was to be their last visit to the 22.
Injury to David Young held up play for quite a time, with the stretcher being brought on. Thankfully, he was able to walk off the field, with assistance. A better sight than seeing him carried off - hopefully he will make a full and speedy recovery.
Before 60 minutes were on the clock, Saints had qualified for the quarter finals, thanks to the result of the Castres/Cardiff game.
On 58 mins, Smyler's penalty kick for the line was inch perfect. . . pity that the lineout wasn't as good! But a few minutes later, Saints again kicked for touch. This time a clean catch and the ball was moved out to Digger on the wing. As he was bundled into touch, Jim sent on the replacements. Bruce comes out to play and onto the wing, Jo Ansbro moving to centre. . . much better. Brooce's first touch of the ball had the crowd chanting, but it was to be another 10 mins before Saints upped their game and put more points on the board. Callum Clarke put Digger into space and he ran in from halfway - lovely to see Bruce in support. Try 2 for Digger and the bonus point was looking like becoming a reality at last.
Tim Visser limped off to be replaced by Nicky Little, apparently the only man left on the visitors bench.
Edinburgh began an attack, but a turnover saw Bruce go through the gap. Another scrum to Saints and this time, Bruce passed to Fodes to Ansbro. . . try to Jo? Not at all. . . with Digger shadowing Jo over the tryline, Jo then unselfishly passes the ball to Digger to score his hattrick. With the convertion, the score was 30 - 0. That was just perfect, my prediction in Smurf's Swindle. Ok lads you can call it a day now. . .
But it wasn't to be. . . When Foden got the ball, passed to Brooce Brooce Brooce, with Digger in support to take a sublime pass from the master, there was only going to be one outcome. 4th try to Digger and converted as well by Smyler, and there's my prediction up thecreek. . . no consideration, these lads!
So all in all, an enjoyable end to the evening, not just for the Saintly hordes that made it to FG, but for Air Digger as well. The front row try scorers won't catch him now, though they shouldn't stop trying.
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ClaireJ
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Are there two players called Nicky Little (sub for Visser)? I thought he was playing for Bristol.
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
Bridesmaids no more.
Bridesmaids no more.
Thank you for a cracker of a report.
Bridesmaids no more.