By Cherrybomb
October 5 2002

Olivier Azam scored two tries (not bad for a hooker) as Gloucester maintained their unbeaten record, and added a bonus point. Saracen's only deepened their own wounds with a lack of discipline resulting in two of their players being sin-binned. Final Score Gloucester 44-14 Saracens. Saracen's have probably my favourite set of supporters. They always bring a fair few fans down, and are more than happy to include themselves in some friendly banter and pre-match entertainment. It was in the pre-match entertainment that Sarries got their only victory of the day, winning the tug of war.

The first half was pretty much a game of "I kick, you kick". The two fly-halfs, Andy Goode and Ludovic Mercier, both slotted penalties to give Gloucester a 9-6 lead coming towards the end of the first half. However, without a doubt the lead would have been even greater if it wasn't for some dodgy decisions from the referee, Donal Courtney. In all farness it was more our friend Roy Maybanks fault, who wouldn't recognise offside if it smacked him in the face. Hard.

Gloucester's first try came after some sustained pressure. Saracen's lack of discipline was great, and this resulted in prop Andy Kershaw being sin binned. Ludovic Mercier kicked for touch and the line out was well worked to set up the maul. Jake Boer was the man who came out with the ball to pick up the try.

As soon as the second half began, the Cherry-and-Whites dominated. An almost instant try came when again maul was set up from a lineout, however this time it was French hooker Olivier Azam who was the last man up.

The two real performances of the day came from Ludo and Terry Fanolua. Ludo's kicking was back to it's best, and his passing was pin point. Tezza was my man of the match however. The pure aggression on his face whenever he had the ball would scare most defensive lines, and he was breaking through as if the opposition defenders were cardboard cut-outs.

The bonus point was secured with another try from Azam, again from a maul. Shortly after Johnstone scored try from nothing for Sarries though Gloucester hit back with one of their own, Terry Fanolua being rewarded for his efforts, after Pasty and Andy Gomarsall had linked well.

The unfortunate incident of the game was the injury to Marcey Garvey, my tackler of the day. It is unsuprising really after such big hits, that he has damaged his cheekbone. Let's hope that he is fit for Munster.

Right towards the end of the match Ludo scored a try to polish of the victory. (and my extremely close prediction). After pressure that would give young men heart attacks, he cleverly weaved his way through the final line of defence. He also converted.

Final Score: Gloucester 44-14 Saracens

I think Nigel Melville summed it up well. We are no where near perfection. However, what sets us apart from the rest is that we have the ablility to reach that perfection. Bring on the Heineken Cup.