Title Trek!
By Griff May 15 2009
Twickenham... the final frontier. These are the voyages of RFC London Irish. Its continuing mission to beat Quins as many times as possible, to play fabulous, attractive rugby and win silverware to boldly go where no Exile has gone before.
Twickenham... the final frontier. These are the voyages of RFC London Irish. Its continuing mission to beat Quins as many times as possible, to play fabulous, attractive rugby and win silverware to boldly go where no Exile has gone before.
On the bridge of the RFC London Irish Captain Bob Casey is in control, "Captains Log 16052009, we are skirting the neutral zone looking for abnormalities, little to report so far." Just then Lieutenant Mike Catt pipes-up.
"Ciptain, there's something odd ihead!", he exclaims.
"What did you call me Catty?", the captain enquires, "What have I told you about putting on a Russian accent ? You're a fecking South African ferchissakes!"
"Sorry Bob, there are some strange life-forms ahead, though".
"On screen".
A blurred image of several figures appears on the monitor, "Magify" orders Big Bob. The image tightens to show several large carniverous feline creatures.
"Are they Tigers?", Science officer Danaher asks.
"Certainly looks like it, but what are they doing here ?"
"Captain, I have a transmission from Guinness Premiership Command", interjects comms officer Armitage, "apparently they're one of the finalists in the Guinness Premiership play-offs..."
"Of course they are, they always are, who are they playing ?"
"Well, that's just it sir, GPC says it's us..."
It's true folks, we're in the GP final, hang on, that deserves a bigger font.
We're in the Guinness Premiership Final!
In the 110 year history of London Irish we've only ever won one piece of silverware, the fabulous 2002 Powergen Cup of legend. We've only ever made the GP play-offs once before, you could easily think Irish are simply making up the numbers but you'd be wrong.
Since the start of the season Irish have simply gone about business with an effective plan of playing attractive, open rugby and winning games. When they weren't winning they were coming damned close. Of the 22 normal-season games Irish won 12, drew one and won at least a losing bonus point in the others. Scoring in every round is not a unique feat, Gloucester managed it last season (and came top of the league), but it's still mightily impressive.
Top of the league at Christmas it was all looking good but Irish finally got some of the credit they deserve and lost a few to the Six Nations. Along with a couple of injuries this showed why a small squad is difficult to manage. With players missing in key positions the Spring was a real come-down for Irish but, crucially, young guns stepped-up and proved they could at least hold-their-own at GP level. A few losses saw Irish fall back into the chasing pack but the losing bonus points kept them in the hunt.
Since then Irish have done just about enough, and been fortunate that injured players returned before their absence could really do damage. Finishing the league 3rd only on games won - equalling Quins in 2nd on points - set-up a fantastic semi-final that will (along with the other two wins at the Stoop this season) give London Irish supporters bragging rights over their erstwhile landlords for many years to come.
The final will be a different prospect. Leicester have beaten Irish in both games this season albeit by very, very tight margins. In the tie at Welford Road a missed last-minute conversion prevented Irish from holding-out for a draw. The return at the Madejski could also have gone either way, in a cracking match Alex Tuilagi was the difference between the two teams keeping his stripy colleagues going forward in a fantastic, open game. Tuilagi, of course, misses out this week after an off-the-ball incident with Nick Abendanon left him cited and banned.
The Tigers haven't had quite the same season, theirs has been more reminiscent of the classic Wasps approach - slow to start but building to a crescendo. The East-Midlanders had to change their game a great deal as the new refereeing of the breakdown took away their traditional ball-killing game. Since Christmas and the departure of Heyneke Meyer back to South Africa for personal reasons Richard Cockerill seems to have got the Tigers to embrace the running game that has given Irish, Bath and Harlequins a step-up this season.
Finals are rarely classics, the tension and pressure makes legends out of poor games usually but if these two teams play at their best it could be a real stunner. In case you haven't realised, I'm saying Irish actually have a chance. Sure, it's only a small chance but it is there. On their day Irish can beat anyone, there's real belief in the side and in Toby Booth they have a man who can read games and make plans that work. Allan Ryan, BJ Mather, Trent Hacking and co. have improved fitness and conditioning to the point where Irish know they'll still be in it at the end. It's going to be quite a ride!
Whatever happens we all know what "our boys" have achieved this season and there is much to celebrate but if we lose it will be a disappointment. That tells you all there is to know about this tie. Irish can win it, Tigers may be distracted with Heineken cup glory in Edinburgh next week - they've never been fans of the play-off system so, of the two trophies, I suspect this is the one they'd be happier to lose and Fleet Admiral Booth may yet have another surprise plan for Captain Casey and his team to put into action.
Make it so!
"Ciptain, there's something odd ihead!", he exclaims.
"What did you call me Catty?", the captain enquires, "What have I told you about putting on a Russian accent ? You're a fecking South African ferchissakes!"
"Sorry Bob, there are some strange life-forms ahead, though".
"On screen".
A blurred image of several figures appears on the monitor, "Magify" orders Big Bob. The image tightens to show several large carniverous feline creatures.
"Are they Tigers?", Science officer Danaher asks.
"Certainly looks like it, but what are they doing here ?"
"Captain, I have a transmission from Guinness Premiership Command", interjects comms officer Armitage, "apparently they're one of the finalists in the Guinness Premiership play-offs..."
"Of course they are, they always are, who are they playing ?"
"Well, that's just it sir, GPC says it's us..."
It's true folks, we're in the GP final, hang on, that deserves a bigger font.
We're in the Guinness Premiership Final!
In the 110 year history of London Irish we've only ever won one piece of silverware, the fabulous 2002 Powergen Cup of legend. We've only ever made the GP play-offs once before, you could easily think Irish are simply making up the numbers but you'd be wrong.
Since the start of the season Irish have simply gone about business with an effective plan of playing attractive, open rugby and winning games. When they weren't winning they were coming damned close. Of the 22 normal-season games Irish won 12, drew one and won at least a losing bonus point in the others. Scoring in every round is not a unique feat, Gloucester managed it last season (and came top of the league), but it's still mightily impressive.
Top of the league at Christmas it was all looking good but Irish finally got some of the credit they deserve and lost a few to the Six Nations. Along with a couple of injuries this showed why a small squad is difficult to manage. With players missing in key positions the Spring was a real come-down for Irish but, crucially, young guns stepped-up and proved they could at least hold-their-own at GP level. A few losses saw Irish fall back into the chasing pack but the losing bonus points kept them in the hunt.
Since then Irish have done just about enough, and been fortunate that injured players returned before their absence could really do damage. Finishing the league 3rd only on games won - equalling Quins in 2nd on points - set-up a fantastic semi-final that will (along with the other two wins at the Stoop this season) give London Irish supporters bragging rights over their erstwhile landlords for many years to come.
The final will be a different prospect. Leicester have beaten Irish in both games this season albeit by very, very tight margins. In the tie at Welford Road a missed last-minute conversion prevented Irish from holding-out for a draw. The return at the Madejski could also have gone either way, in a cracking match Alex Tuilagi was the difference between the two teams keeping his stripy colleagues going forward in a fantastic, open game. Tuilagi, of course, misses out this week after an off-the-ball incident with Nick Abendanon left him cited and banned.
The Tigers haven't had quite the same season, theirs has been more reminiscent of the classic Wasps approach - slow to start but building to a crescendo. The East-Midlanders had to change their game a great deal as the new refereeing of the breakdown took away their traditional ball-killing game. Since Christmas and the departure of Heyneke Meyer back to South Africa for personal reasons Richard Cockerill seems to have got the Tigers to embrace the running game that has given Irish, Bath and Harlequins a step-up this season.
Finals are rarely classics, the tension and pressure makes legends out of poor games usually but if these two teams play at their best it could be a real stunner. In case you haven't realised, I'm saying Irish actually have a chance. Sure, it's only a small chance but it is there. On their day Irish can beat anyone, there's real belief in the side and in Toby Booth they have a man who can read games and make plans that work. Allan Ryan, BJ Mather, Trent Hacking and co. have improved fitness and conditioning to the point where Irish know they'll still be in it at the end. It's going to be quite a ride!
Whatever happens we all know what "our boys" have achieved this season and there is much to celebrate but if we lose it will be a disappointment. That tells you all there is to know about this tie. Irish can win it, Tigers may be distracted with Heineken cup glory in Edinburgh next week - they've never been fans of the play-off system so, of the two trophies, I suspect this is the one they'd be happier to lose and Fleet Admiral Booth may yet have another surprise plan for Captain Casey and his team to put into action.
Make it so!
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Posted by: The Craic www.londonirish.org (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2009 08:22
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Re: Title Trek!
Posted by: cheffy (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2009 08:29
Very Good!!
I was at Sunbury yesterday and the boys looked very relaxed and focused and by all accounts training was very good.
All that remains today is the Captains Run and then........come 7.30 on Saturday evening who knows??
But whatever happens I for one will be proud to call myself a London Irish Supporter!!
Whatever happens boys HAVE NO REGRETS
I was at Sunbury yesterday and the boys looked very relaxed and focused and by all accounts training was very good.
All that remains today is the Captains Run and then........come 7.30 on Saturday evening who knows??
But whatever happens I for one will be proud to call myself a London Irish Supporter!!
Whatever happens boys HAVE NO REGRETS
Re: Title Trek!
Posted by: Brosie (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2009 08:32
Can we use the transporter to put Dodge, Catt, Steff and all wherever we want them on the field instantly? I think that has been Toby's secret weapon all season.
Tigers phasers on 'stun'!
Tigers phasers on 'stun'!
Re: Title Trek!
Posted by: richfitz (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2009 08:36
Nice preview Griff.
I cannot be there on Saturday but I am hoping this is the start of a squad that continually challenges for the very top honours. Have a nice day all but remember, the future is bright.
I cannot be there on Saturday but I am hoping this is the start of a squad that continually challenges for the very top honours. Have a nice day all but remember, the future is bright.
Re: Title Trek!
Posted by: MadMonk (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2009 08:41
Craicing report! will have to add pointy ears to my costume!
Can I just say my nerves will not stand another nail-biting match so a repeat of the EDF final would be great (with Irish taking the part of Cardiff obviously)
Please can we order a match like the Newport away game last season where it is all done and dusted at half time and we can concentrate on the celebrations in the second half?
Can I just say my nerves will not stand another nail-biting match so a repeat of the EDF final would be great (with Irish taking the part of Cardiff obviously)
Please can we order a match like the Newport away game last season where it is all done and dusted at half time and we can concentrate on the celebrations in the second half?
Re: Title Trek!
Posted by: Brown Bottle (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2009 12:50
Quote:Its continuing mission to beat Quins as many times as possible
Cheeky @#$%&!
BB
Re: Title Trek!
Posted by: Eek_the_Weeble (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2009 13:37
The Leicester Borg are a formidable foe - they seem to have some sort of alliance - Klingons in the back row (klingin' on for too long in my opinion), Tribbles in the backs (seem to get everywhere and a bunch of Orcs up front.
I know Orcs aren't Star Trek but the description fits.
I'm just pleased we're not playing in red shirts!
To quote 'Spirit' - "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! With our phasers set on smile"
I know Orcs aren't Star Trek but the description fits.
I'm just pleased we're not playing in red shirts!
To quote 'Spirit' - "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! With our phasers set on smile"
Re: Title Trek!
Posted by: LI in LA (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2009 18:04
Excellent Griff - enjoy the day all - soooo gutted I wont be there.
Re: Title Trek!
Posted by: lgwt@castlebar (IP Logged)
Date: 16/05/2009 11:55
Great piece Griff. If only I could be beamed over to Twickenham but they tell the transporters can't get a fix on Galway, some sort of interference they call "craic".
I have to shout against the old fella today (him being from Melton Mowbray) but a tacheon beam will shut him until half time at which point Exiles will have put enough points on the board at maximum Warp that further communication will be rendered illogical.
Nope, that wonderful 20th century invention of Satellite TV will have to serve our comms needs (where's Lt. Uhura in 'that' skirt when you need her?). London Irish fans - Western Branch will be cheering you on from Eyre Square. Enjoy the day my friends.
I have to shout against the old fella today (him being from Melton Mowbray) but a tacheon beam will shut him until half time at which point Exiles will have put enough points on the board at maximum Warp that further communication will be rendered illogical.
Nope, that wonderful 20th century invention of Satellite TV will have to serve our comms needs (where's Lt. Uhura in 'that' skirt when you need her?). London Irish fans - Western Branch will be cheering you on from Eyre Square. Enjoy the day my friends.
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