Northampton Saints v London Irish - Zurich Preview

By Claire Jones
October 9 2003

It was a bright March Sunday afternoon, the last time we played Irish and it was a match that was notable for many things. We played with passion, scored some lovely tries (I doubt Steve Williams will score an easier one), the fans shouted their heads off and we booked our next fateful trip to HQ.

For the Jones family, it was a turning point, helped by some foam hands and the shouting, my 5 year old daughter finally twigged what rugby was all about and enjoyed herself thoroughly!

If only we had played the match in January the same way - when Michael Horak scored in the first 5 minutes and Larry missed a sitter of a penalty, the faithful knew it was going to be one of THOSE days when the team mentally stayed at home. And truly it was and we lost 10-22.

The following week, we dogged it out against Bairritz and we saw a match which ebbed and flowed madly; with us winning with a Jorgy try from a cheeky Daws pass. A week is a long time in the life of this club but you all know that.

This Saturday is a significant day - the masses will be walking for a thoroughly deserving cause and hopefully witnessing a match more akin to events in March than January. Irish come to the Gardens on the back of a home win but the plaudits haven't been flowing this season with the team clearly adjusting to the post-Venter era.

Meanwhile, the rollercaster of life supporting the Saints will continue - we need Blowers at his best dealing with Mr Sheasby and the front row need to give their all (I wonder what Prozone has been saying this week?!).

We need the Robinson/ Drahm defensive progress to continue and our youngsters at centre to get out there and stand up to the Irish midfield. And I would like to wish young John Clarke good luck because his start in a Saints jersey has been magnificent!

So this Saturday, it's good luck to the walkers, dig your hands in your pocket for the non-walkers AND (special message on behalf of OldPete here) SHOUT YOUR HEADS OFF AND DROWN OUT THAT BLESSED MUSIC!

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