What the supporters thought of the Gloucester win

By The Supporters
April 26 2002

What the great and the good, the poshseated and the unwashed thought of Saints eight try mauling of the not so mighty Gloucester at the Gardens last week.

WMS
I've just had a phone call from young Ben. His exact words -

"That was the most EXCELLENT day I've ever had"

His Dad was also mightily impressed and is already considering a season ticket.

Ballagher
Definitely a good game to attend for your first match. (If you can guarantee Saints always play like that you'd probably get the season ticket for free.) On the way out there were half a dozen Dutch guys. Unfortunately we didn't have time to chat properly as I had to shoot off. (Hippo spoke to them a bit in their language before the inevitable reversion to English). I told one of them they could come again.
Ajack
Having been at FG yesterday and watched the unspoken one's this morning. I think a big well done is due to Piggy and the crew, our pitch looked superb, whilst the one down the road looked like a building site. Maybe as well as certain criteria for grounds the RFU should set certain standards for the playing surface, maybe a minimum covering of grass of say 60% as this stops attractive open rugby being played on such a poor playing surface.
I think we are very lucky to have the best facilities both on and off the pitch in the prem and feel this helps with the wonderful rugby we are watching at the moment. A great effort from all at the SAINTS. Well done all, keep up the good work.
Cookie at Glaws
I'm trying to convince myself you were absolute world beaters yesterday, but the Saints supporter who sang, "Can we play you every week?" as I entered the bar after the "match" hit the nail on the head rather too painfully for my liking.

On a more positive note I always enjoy the trip to FG; a real rugby ground and decent supporters. Good banter, and lots of fun, despite our embarrassing display on the pitch. All the best next week.
Alex C
I couldn't make it to the match, but watched it on the telly in Richmond. What an excellent match, a complete team effort. Every time one of our players was tackled there were people there to secure the ball, be it forwards or backs. The centres played an excellent game, spreading the ball out to the wings quickly. Few mistakes considering how much ball we had. Grayson needs to get his kicking boots back on for the game next week though. A quick mention for Rennick and Morris who are looking better and better as the weeks go on. Can't wait for next week, come on you saints!
Marlowes
The team were terrific yesterday, so masterful, the hard work they have been indulging(?)in has paid off. Haven't enjoyed such a run for ages!
Stanley Rob
Congrats on your win today, you were so much better than us in all departments.
Carlos
Well I don't know about you but I had a great day. Had a drink in the member's bar. Sat outside and watch a bit of the ladies game. Then we went off to the village to see Bernie's new friend Charro. I gave him a stroke and he seamed very friendly. Then we went into the Rodber bar for a quick drink before the game and wasn't it a great game? Maybe not up to the Newcastle game but then that won't be easy. Seven tries and seven different try scorer I don't know which was the best one, maybe after I have watch the video. (Which I'm off to do soon) I'll have a better idea. Nick Beal got man of the match at the ground. But I don't think he will win our poll. I'll decide whom to vote for after I watch it again.
Went into the Rodber bar after the game as well to pick up my cup final T-shirt. I'm wearing it at the moment and I'm very pleased with it. Let's just hope it is warm enough to wear it next week on its own.
I'm afraid the band didn't go to well, what was wrong? As they just couldn't get it together could they?
Maverick
right, had a chance to catch my breath and watch the vid now back home> Cracking performances all round, Nicky B got MOTM in the ground and deservedly so I thought. Points-

From where I was (about 12ft away), the first try wasn't, but you win some, you lose some.

In the backs Jamie Brooks continues to excel at whatever position, Jorgy is a different player than before Crimble and JL really is an unsung hero.

Moment of the game has to be Wally's set-up for Ben's try, although best supporting Oscars go Andy Rennick for his first Saints try and to a player coming through to the first team, Arthur Brenton, only on for few minutes but didn't seem in the least overawed. Onwards and upwards to Twickers!!!
Ballagher
I agree with the you about the moment of the match - going backwards Wally did well to run round the back of the traffic - then the prop (can't remember his name but it sounded like a pizza to me) lined him up and - pow - what a hand off. The tackling of Cohen was laughable (or depressing if you are a Glos fan) but they were reeling.

I can't agree about the MotM though. In order of preference I'd probably put Beale at 14th (he missed what looked like a 2 to 0 overlap in the first half) - no offence Nick - I see it as 13 excellent performances ahead of you.

Who was below in my list? It'd have to be Dawson I'm afraid. Some excellent breaks but his passing was terrible. It was a credit to Grayson that it wasn't obvious. Grayson would be close to the top but I hope Jorgy wins coys MotM award for a change. He was blistering.
Chris
I thought Daws (and Nick) had excellent games.
The pass for Jorgy's try was top drawer and he kept at it all afternoon sniping away.
Watching the game again on the telly this morning was a joy. Seeing all the little things you miss during the game with aid of the reverse button.
Tommy boys between the legs pass for Nick Beal's try. The set piece that came off for Budge's try at the lineout and to top the lot that kick from Jon Phillips.
Old Pete
With all due credit to little Joe - Glaws were gersplatterated , smudgerated and we put a gersquillion points on the board

I'm still up there somewhere - and may come down by Monday

Absolutely brilliant - at times we seemed to be scoring at will

cant think of a man of the match - the pack were awesome - backs inventive ( even if they did mishandle occasionally - but with so much ball you would wouldn't you ) and committed.

Can't get over the change in attitudes and form since the arrival of Wayne .

Suddenly it's a team that plays together and works for each other and the result.

Complacent - do you really think that Smudger allows that word to enter the players vocabulary ?

WE haven't peaked too soon - were getting Better and better

Cant wait for Saturday at Twickers -

Sour note = forgot to programme the video thingy - tried to watch Sky rugby update but their heads are so far up the Tiggers fundamental that there was SFA of the Saints great triumph

Oh yes and the tykes lost - sad that

BUT - we are doing it - so Twickers watch out the Saints are marching and we are going on on on on .

COME ON YOU SAINTS.
James LI
The way you guys are playing I just hope that we can keep the score down next week.
Still, it will be a good day...for we party no matter what.
Roll on Saturday.
Hippo
was I really the only fan who in a heady daze of unreality on 60 minutes thought, just please, please ends now so that we have no injuries for next week.

That of course was before I saw Dawson's head. Any ideas what happened to him?

Seriously though, great game, so many players put their heart and soul into it and it was a delight to watch. Even whilst standing near the woman in block D who (vocally) thought Dawson was the spawn of Beelzebub. He may be, but at least he is our spawn.
WMS
Gentle little run out prior to the main event.

As for peaking too early - we just seem to get better. The options for the ball carrier are everywhere and, as a result, Glaws midfield tackling was poor (chasing ghosts).

Lost the sweep on Azam - I said 8 minutes but he lasted 20.

Now off to watch the video. Talk later.
Ben Dover
Yep great entertainment, if only Glos had turned up?

Just one or two niggles though, I thought that one or two of tries where made harder than they should have been by over complicating the midfield the LI backs will be up on us faster than Glos were yesterday. That and the two tries against us were very soft.

Aside from those two worries I thought everyone really played their part, No doubt Beal deserved his MOTM award from Sky, but I can't help feeling that a lot of what we did revolved around Leslie.

WS clearly has him identified as our main playmaker and doesn't he look a whole lot better now he has made a decision about his international career?

As for Daws there can still be only one first choice scrumhalf for England.

Discipline good, Lineouts a whole load better, Scrummaging as good as any and even Moir attempting to do a Jason Robinson.

Come on boys' feet on the ground, just one more game and a little something for the mantle piece.
Chris
I think after we'd scored number four a couple of times players went for the glory of scoring rather than the better options but hey, 8 tries, I'm not complaining.
Saintsby
I too have just got home to sunny Brackley with Mrs S + Holly. Only Holls second game + she helps win it with COME ON YOU SAINTS!! shouts) There was some lovely moves, running onto fastball, changes of angle etc etc. If it wasn't for some unforced handling errors we would have had at least 2/3 more. The best thing of all was Vickery + cronies sitting in the Black stand not 4 seats away U should have seen their faces Fab! and of course my mate St Colin + I didn't rub it in with banter etc at all!! perish the thought!!
Steve 393
That was summat else. The Glaws tackling was very poor it must be said, but it was noticeable that our lineouts went well all game for a change and Daws had a shed-load of ball.

I think that was a better performance than the Newcastle semi, more controlled & more sustained.

I don't think I can vote for a man of the match this week, they all played superbly and as a team.

One last thing, Smudger walked down the South stand steps just before the end and he was smiling. Not seen that before. Rare praise indeed.
Chumbawumba
on a fantastic performance, to mis-quote a famous Norwegian "you gave my boys one hell of a beating". Good luck next week, hope we meet in the play-offs (at Castle Grim)for a shot at revenge.
Severus
Like to add my congratulations. I'd also like to apologise as you probably were looking forward to seeing two sides play rugby rather than one side playing rugby and the other running around like headless chickens.
Burdman
Good atmos in the ground today good to go to a proper rugby ground with decent facilities. Pity we didn't turn up today except in very small patches but a well-deserved win seems the man WS has done a good job for you.
Rich
Quite nice to take Gloss's points conceded past the century mark for the week! All smugness aside I feel sorry for the Glos fans, their side did not respect them at all today. I'd ask for a refund. And I repeat I am not trying to rub it in, you lot deserve better!
Madferrit
Woohoooooo! Well done lads, more of that next Saturday please and we'll have one hell of a final :-)
St Broon
Having been horrid about JP throughout this season, I'd just like to tip my cap to him as most improved player in the club. He looks as if he's lost about a stone and a half (or redistributed it ) , you could actually see muscles in his legs for the first time - and it actually paid off ! his poor old prop could actually lift him and he was even contributing at restarts as well as getting airborne about a second quicker and without all the huffing and puffing that was tipping off the opposition when he was going to jump.

All that and the fact that he's black green and gold all through like a stick of rock gets my vote for this week.
Saint Colin
WMS - Ben was over the moon with the day - I did explain we don't normally score 8 tries, especially against the 2nd placed team in the Zippee.

As Saintsby & myself started the chanting, Ben was following with great pride, stamping his feet and looking across to follow me with the timings. He was also holding a full size rugby ball and grinning all the way through - I think they both enjoyed the day - His Dad said "its only 45 mins away" and could be become a regular event - Hope they do......would love to see them again.

Whilst we were talking at half time. Geoff on the PA made his announcement - What a smile !!!! He was over the moon. A lad to watch in the future I think.......
Well saint
Thought it was an excellent performance from 1-15. Find it hard to believe that we were only seven points in front 2 mins into the second half, but then the scoreboard starting ticking over as it has threatened to do all the first half. Thought that the referee wasn't too bad, if fairly lenient at times (best bit when he spoke to Collazo: got the other Glos lad to "shut him up" and then said "I can't speak to you again!") Agree with RJD - how Glos are up there I don't know, because they didn't look good on Sat. What a difference a few months makes.

Roll on Saturday... it'll be tight, but I think it'll be ours...

Expert view:
Budge Pountney - "Fairly pleased with that performance. Not bad"
Lardy Barnes - "On Saturday, the best team in England were Northampton. Wayne Smith has galvanised the Saints and the pace of their rucking game. The precision of Dawson's darts and the power of their driving play was as good as anything the Tigers have managed this season."
Smudger - "We don't want to get over-confident. We are where we are now because of hard work, desperation and hunger. As always, we'll enjoy the next 24 hours but come Monday, we'll focus very carefully on what we've got to do on Saturday."
Waltzing a Jorgy - "My game's gone through the roof since he's come here. We needed some direction and Wayne has provided that for us,"
Nigel Melville - "Playing against Wasps on Wednesday didn't help us out there today - we had a few bumps and bruises and that was obvious. Our discipline and defence were also bad. We seem to spend all week with less than 15 men on the field. You can't play like that."
Bob Fenton (Glos Rivals site) - "Saints are a formidable outfit, if it hadn't been for their woeful start to the season they would have pushed Leicester hard for the title."