S
Saint N Sinner
Guest
Northampton Saints Vs Bristol Rugby
Franklins Gardens 14th Jan 2006
EEC
Well, it wasn't a bad day for rugby, not bad at all.
It all started with dark clouds over the horizon, a soggy pitch, miserable stewards, and a flask of mulled wine. "What a start" I thought, and with the added excitement of a fire evacuation after the match well, I could hardly contain myself. (Please note, sarcasm can appear even in the most unlikely of places)
Well, as both teams ran out onto the pitch, I and I imagine the other 12,226 fans, just gave them that added encouragement and just said "we are going to win today" Well I did, and it bloody worked, you have to give me that.
It wasn't a slow start either, with Sam Harding crossing the line in only a couple of minutes we knew the afternoon was going to be one to remember, if the beginning was anything to go by. Bruce converted to bring the scores to 7-0.
But was followed 4 minutes later with a penalty from Bristol's number 10, Hayes.
Northampton quickly grasped their game once again, with another Harding try on 9 minutes, which was successfully converted, which earnt Northampton a well deserved 9 point lead.
Carlos Spencer's magic was clearly seen, even from the gates of heaven which is where his skills obviousley come from. As he gained, no....gifted... Northampton a 16 point lead as he flew over the line, which brought the scoreboard to a healthy looking 19-3 lead at half-time.
Well, after a nice fag and a beer at half-time it was time to hit the terrace's for another 40 minutes of fast paced, action packed rugby.
It only took 25 minutes for Sharky (Robinson) to get on the score sheet with a nice little move to bring the home side to a impressive lead, as Bruce added the 2 points we headed for a 23 point lead. Something that I had to think twice about as its been a while since I have seen one, in our favour that is.
All those doubter's who thought "Big" Ben Cohen was out for the count, as his form dipped dramatically after the RWC back in 2003. Well today was one of his best in the Saint's jersey, as he rounded up 2 try's in the space of 2 minutes. One on the 70th and the other on the 72nd minute. Both where comfortably converted as we saw Bruce kicking his way back into the kicking role with style, and kicking Northampton into a 37 point lead. (40-3)
The last try was to come from the second SH on the pitch! Two you say? Yeah, well our injuries have become a major problem up to recent, so we stuck Jonny Howard on the pitch, and he did show his pace and skill he has, with a try on the 75th minute. By now Saints where well and truelly sent high up the pool with a clear 5 point lead.
But Bristol had the last say with a "consolation" Sambucetti try on the 79th minutes which left the game with nothing left to offer. Especially seen as the bloody early leavers got in our way once again!
Anyway, it was great game that was very much enjoyed. I just cannot wait to see Lardy's face on European Rugby Special, he will have very little to say. Lets just say he won't be complimenting Wally, thats all I am going to say.
The "farce" of an evacuation that followed the game really got me confused. I'm not gonna go into it too much but, half the fire exits where closed, and the stewards couldn't be arsed to do anything about it.
Oh well, life goes on. Saints settle comfortably at the top of their pool with a nice 7 try win,
leaving Bristol behind in the trail of dust.
Hoping for more next week in Viadana which will secure a QTR final place for Northampton, and hopefully a nice spot in the semi's and so on.
Thanks for reading and hopefully you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved reviewing it.
That was my opinion.
Air Ben
Franklins Gardens 14th Jan 2006
EEC
Well, it wasn't a bad day for rugby, not bad at all.
It all started with dark clouds over the horizon, a soggy pitch, miserable stewards, and a flask of mulled wine. "What a start" I thought, and with the added excitement of a fire evacuation after the match well, I could hardly contain myself. (Please note, sarcasm can appear even in the most unlikely of places)
Well, as both teams ran out onto the pitch, I and I imagine the other 12,226 fans, just gave them that added encouragement and just said "we are going to win today" Well I did, and it bloody worked, you have to give me that.
It wasn't a slow start either, with Sam Harding crossing the line in only a couple of minutes we knew the afternoon was going to be one to remember, if the beginning was anything to go by. Bruce converted to bring the scores to 7-0.
But was followed 4 minutes later with a penalty from Bristol's number 10, Hayes.
Northampton quickly grasped their game once again, with another Harding try on 9 minutes, which was successfully converted, which earnt Northampton a well deserved 9 point lead.
Carlos Spencer's magic was clearly seen, even from the gates of heaven which is where his skills obviousley come from. As he gained, no....gifted... Northampton a 16 point lead as he flew over the line, which brought the scoreboard to a healthy looking 19-3 lead at half-time.
Well, after a nice fag and a beer at half-time it was time to hit the terrace's for another 40 minutes of fast paced, action packed rugby.
It only took 25 minutes for Sharky (Robinson) to get on the score sheet with a nice little move to bring the home side to a impressive lead, as Bruce added the 2 points we headed for a 23 point lead. Something that I had to think twice about as its been a while since I have seen one, in our favour that is.
All those doubter's who thought "Big" Ben Cohen was out for the count, as his form dipped dramatically after the RWC back in 2003. Well today was one of his best in the Saint's jersey, as he rounded up 2 try's in the space of 2 minutes. One on the 70th and the other on the 72nd minute. Both where comfortably converted as we saw Bruce kicking his way back into the kicking role with style, and kicking Northampton into a 37 point lead. (40-3)
The last try was to come from the second SH on the pitch! Two you say? Yeah, well our injuries have become a major problem up to recent, so we stuck Jonny Howard on the pitch, and he did show his pace and skill he has, with a try on the 75th minute. By now Saints where well and truelly sent high up the pool with a clear 5 point lead.
But Bristol had the last say with a "consolation" Sambucetti try on the 79th minutes which left the game with nothing left to offer. Especially seen as the bloody early leavers got in our way once again!
Anyway, it was great game that was very much enjoyed. I just cannot wait to see Lardy's face on European Rugby Special, he will have very little to say. Lets just say he won't be complimenting Wally, thats all I am going to say.
The "farce" of an evacuation that followed the game really got me confused. I'm not gonna go into it too much but, half the fire exits where closed, and the stewards couldn't be arsed to do anything about it.
Oh well, life goes on. Saints settle comfortably at the top of their pool with a nice 7 try win,
leaving Bristol behind in the trail of dust.
Hoping for more next week in Viadana which will secure a QTR final place for Northampton, and hopefully a nice spot in the semi's and so on.
Thanks for reading and hopefully you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved reviewing it.
That was my opinion.
Air Ben
