By Lee Walker
October 23 2002

The score-line suggests that the Calvisano match was gifted to Tigers, perhaps hinting at a return to form for our boys but who supplied the thrills, spills, and moments of entertainment?

My Magic Moment

There are a couple of moments I'll remember from this match. Geordan Murphy's first sublime run back in Tigers colours. After a protracted injury spell this was a sight for sore eyes, but more of him later. Perhaps it should be Perry Freshwater's more than successful stint at wing/outside centre. With mobile, skillful forwards such as Perry the tactic of a wide-wide distribution doesn't seem so risky. I also appreciated Stimmo's kick at goal which went in off the up-right, I turned to the chap next to me and said "It's alright he's just practicing for the semi-final".

All of these moments raised a smile, but I think my magic moment of the game was Austin Healey's first attempt at goal. I can still hear the excited murmur from the crowd as Oz placed the ball on the tee. Eventually the crowd hushed in its usual way, and then he began his run up. I was reminded of the occasions when I've attempted to ride a bicycle in a too lower of a gear - legs hurtling round with very little effective movement forward.

However Oz did seem to gain a certain amount of acceleration to the ball. Unfortunately this appeared to be directed upwards rather than forwards. I was fearful, as many in the crowd I'll wager, that the ball wouldn't reach the 22-yard line let alone the posts. But I'm glad to say I was wrong and it crept over the posts. I think that's why this is my magic moment; there were moments of humour, fear, but eventually it turned out all right in the end. Well-done Oz!!

The Zero

Who was the zero? You would think with the score line of 63-0 there wouldn't have been any villain in our side. However if you had asked me during and after the match I would have nominated Leon Lloyd, for his inability to see the pass. This debate has been covered on the message board with far more succinctness and expertise than I could muster.

I have to admit the pro-Leon camp has persuaded me that I was too critical of the lad on Saturday. Perhaps he has been given the job of providing a target for the forwards to ruck and drive around, and true he has come off a lot of injuries. But so has Geordan, and he seemed to pick up where he left off last season. No - on reflection I don't think Leon should be painted as the villain of the piece. So to whom should I bestow this role?

Well I think I'll have to give myself that role for not taking Healey's goal attempts seriously enough - he didn't seem to like my suggestion that he should try and keep his last attempt "in the ground". Sorry Austin I promise I won't do it again. Also I'm as guilty of anyone for criticizing the players during the game, it doesn't help them; it's just a way of releasing my frustration - Sorry lads.

The Hero

But now on to far more pleasant affairs. Who stood out as the star of the show? I think I should mention the referee at this point. True he made a few mistakes, but you also have to admit that the majority of fans are somewhat one-eyed, and the poor chap can't see everything. However what I appreciated was on a number of occasions he played the advantage rule excellently, allowing play to continue, despite misdemeanours from Calvisano, to promote a flowing game. Well done - but I could never bring myself to give this honour to a referee, particularly when there were some out-standing performances from Tigers players.

First the guys who in a normal game would have been contenders: There was Martin Corry whose lineout work was excellent. I've been impressed with Cozza all season; England's loss is definitely our gain!! Then there was hat-trick boy Richard... oops sorry I mean Steve Booth, his jinking runs mesmerized the Calvisano defence tying them in knots, but get a hair cut mate!!

Now the main contenders. Two performances stood out for me: Perry Freshwater and Geordan Murphy.

Pezza had a stormer, his work in the loose was just fantastic. I had the privilege of standing on the Crumbie next to where he awaited the re-starts. His desire and leadership were impressive, he was continually talking, organising the forwards for the restart and remonstrating with colleagues to keep their game up and to ensure they "nilled" poor Calvisano.

But my hero has to be Geordan. The guy is just pure class. His running with the ball is worth the entrance fee alone, but add to this his decision making for when to join the line and you have perhaps the best full back in the Northern hemisphere if not the world. I'm serious, I think he is more of a natural full back than Jason Robinson. We've missed his ability to cut the defence to ribbons, just imagine how good he is going to be once he gets match fit.