By Andycap on 1/2/2004
February 1 2004

It is almost impossible to describe what went on in what was a meaningless game for the Tykes to end their foray into Europe, such was the low calibre of entertainment on offer - something the Ref. shoulders most of the blame for....
On an extremely wet and overcast day with what felt like a Hurricane blowing in off the sea, the Tykes continued their losing streak. Phil Davies rested a couple of key players and blooded young Mike Cussack, quite literally considering the number of punches the Ospreys tighthead put in and yet failed to be punished by an extremely poor referee from Scotland.

The majority of the game was spoiled by the referee’s inability to stop blowing his whistle and allow some advantage, which may have allowed a more flowing game played in atrocious conditions. However, considering the amount of rain that had emptied out of the heavens the St Helens pitch was in perfect condition.

The Tykes played into the wind in the first half and managed to withstand most of what the Ospreys could throw at them, the Tykes went behind when the Ospreys scrum half sniped in off several phases of play, Gavin Kerr having been sin binned. The Tykes should have equalised but the referee decided that Dan Scarborough was in front of Goggs when a lovely grubber kick found the Ospreys defence floundering. Again the referee was to have an interest in the next Ospreys score, Matt Cardy launched an up and under and raced through to tackle the catcher only for the referee to decide that Tom Palmer had not retreated and penalised the Tykes, the resultant kick on the stroke of halftime made it 10 – 3 to the Ospreys.

Phil Davies rang the changes Clive Stuart Smith coming on for Alan Dickens and there was a definite step-up in the distribution, Alan Dickens appearing a little “ring rusty” after his lay-off. Alix Popham and Matt Holt came on to bolster the Tykes pack but they struggled against a determined Ospreys pack that gave little away. The Tykes escaped when the Ospreys No.8 knocked on over the line from a 5 metre scrum and strength of the wind became more apparent when from an attempted penalty bang in front of the posts the Ospreys kicker managed to almost hit the corner post.

Goggsy got the Tykes on the scoreboard and was replaced halfway through the 2nd half by Duncan Hodge. Despite several raids into the Ospreys 22 the Tykes came away try less yet again, the best chance again falling to Dan Scarborough at the end of the game. The Ospreys gave away several penalties close to their line which the Tykes declined an easy 3 points and went to the corner for a line out. The resultant mauls failing to breach the home teams defences.

All in all, a worthless game that did nothing to boost the Tykes’ confidence going back into the ZP season against London Irish next week.