Saracens
End of Season Poll: Pt 3
The Gathering
By T
September 1 2009
With the season just around the corner with the excitement of the double header and games at Wembley to look forward to, we take our last look at the season just past in the final section of the end of season poll 2008/2009.
Personally this last section of the Poll is my favourite. While it’s easy to pick best player, best try etc… these sections give a real insight to the important people in any club, and what they go through in a season.
On a more sombre note one of the pollsters suggested the following for ‘Worst Moment of the Season’. The comments seem more appropriate placed here than trivialised in a poll below…
“As it is a review of the year, I would like to reflect for a moment on those we have lost. For Samui-man, and his wit and wealth of knowledge. He is the man that could prove that sunning yourself and following rugby were not mutually exclusive and we have missed his tremendous insight into this forum.
And to Ski, a dedicated Fez who passed away while he was boarding a plane to see his beloved team in the South of France. I will not forget the feeling of dread when I heard he was not there with us to cheer on the boys, and just for a minute, I would like to remember what a great personality we have lost. I would also like to thank the team and their medical staff for their efforts and solidarity at that difficult time.”
PART III: MISCELLANEOUS
1. BEST SARRIES RUGBY MOMENT OF THE SEASON:
With any season there are moments that stick in the mind, the kind of memories that are sparked off when the Season Ticket renewal form drops through the letter box.
The moments that you will wistfully look back upon as ‘good times’ as you fill out your details and post the form back, those moments that block out all the crap that accompanied it that season!
Several mentions of particular tries in this category from Dons match winning try at home to Bath to Super Kevs length of the field move against Newcastle.
Others picked out amazing assists; from Farrell’s pass against Bath for Catos try, to De Kocks mazy run and pass against Newcastle, via Andy Saull’s jet healed assist for a Brad Barritt score at the end of the season and Jacobs inside flip that meant that Wasps went home beaten from VR.
The new administration at the club should also be proud of their Gathering and march at the ECC semi Final, after lots of pontificating about where ‘Old Saracens’ fitted within the new set up, it was a nice touch that showed while some are still unsure for other the answer was ‘at the core of the club’.
But there was one really stand out moment for many. Against Bath the ball is grubbered into the in goal area where it’s picked up by Rod Penny and returned with a level of interest that a loan shark would be proud of, a full 100metre sprint to touch down the other end of the pitch that started an amazing Sarries fight back.
Winner Rod Penny’s length of the field try Vs Bath 2nd The Gathering & March @ ECC semi Final 3rd Dons match winning try against Bath
2. WORST SARRIES RUGBY MOMENT OF THE SEASON
My names ‘T’ and I’m a Saracen supporter. Welcome to this support group, this is a chance for you to get it off your chest, to share your problems with like minded fools.
Now who’d like to go first, it’s ok, No names are needed here… please begin, tell us your woes of the season just gone.
“I was in York for my dad's birthday whilst Saracens visited Harlequins. My girlfriend was sending occasional updates by text message, her final one, confirming the defeat put my in such a fugue that I could only cheer myself up by walking along the city walls. Something I recommend doing if you are ever in York”
“The 2nd half capitulation at Adams Park was pretty special”
“Losing Eddie Jones services prematurely.”
“The cull. Totally and utterly the worst moment I have experienced since supporting the MIB.”
“13-13 at home to Leicester, last home game of the season, farewell speeches being prepared and Faz kicks not to touch but to a Tigers player soon after then coming Vesty's penalty and defeat.”
“Faz not finding touch against Tigers really irked me, but I guess the cull news was more significant”
“Newcastle Away”
“The series of errors that led to the Northampton drop goal.”
“Myler’s drop goal in the ECC semi final”
“Saints drop goal in the semi - gutting.”
“Northampton running down the clock after slotting a drop goal. Always makes me feel sick to my stomach and probably the worst moment because it's fresh in my mind.”
“Northampton 5 minutes to go, drop goal, like a collective kick to the Goolies”
Thank you for sharing that with us all. That concludes the group session for today… see you all at Twickenham on 5th September for our next session.
Winner Northampton drop goal in EEC Semi Final
2nd Announcement of players leaving mid season and speculation around it
3rd Faz missing touch against Leicester
3. FUNNIEST RUGBY MOMENT OF THE SEASON:
Less of an award and more of a chance to share some amusing anecdotes that deserve more than just a passing mention.
Perhaps most intriguing was “Remy Martin taking exception to a supposed member of the First XV in the Bayonne clubhouse, then having to be lead away before he trampled him to wafer-thin.” I fail to believe how one of the travelling befezzed was able to pass themselves off as members of the first XV have standards really slipped that low on the playing field?!
Another wonderful story concerning everybody’s favourite non tackling fullback “Bath fan sitting behind me is going into orgasmic delight every time Abendendon touches the ball. At one point when Abendon evades two tackles on the fringe of our 22, this gut shouts "beautiful Nick, beautiful". Almost straight away, Abendon drops the ball and easily concedes the knock-on. I immediately call out "Beautiful Nick, Beautiful". The Bath fan shuts up for the rest of the half”
More Bath related banter includes “having the last laugh with a load of bath fans who had been dishing it out at 16-0 up.”
While some Wasps bashing tickled some ““They’re always offside” yells one Lower Rous supporter. “They have been for 15 years” replied a very quick wag.”
There was also great mirth over the “Reaction of some supporters to spoof article of why Wasps should be in the H.C.” (search the message board if you want to find it) No winners or losers, but I’d love to know more about the Remy Martin story.
4. BEST REFEREE:
The diplomatic amongst you who know that the message boards are read by some of the GP referees thought that they were all good or declined to name anyone that stood out.
Votes were counted for Martin Fox and Chris White. There was even one for Nigel Owens “For reffing Leins v Munster really well” which probably means not giving Munster everything like normal…
But it came down to two whistle blowers. In one corner the Scourge of New Zealand, Wayne Barnes and in the other corner the Italian referee that nobody could actually name that reffed the ECC quarter final. Here is what you had to say about the men in yellow
“Italian ref for the Falcons ECC 1/4 final. Even gave a crooked feed into the scrum. Wow, when does that get pinged?!”
“I hardly noticed the Newcastle ECC ref.”
“I thought I’d never say this after the semi at Glos, but Wayne Barnes is very good now, and he has the presence to control the big games."
“The guy we had against Falcons was very good in the ECC”
“Wayne Barnes is rapidly becoming one of the worlds best referees”
“Whoever said 2nd tier competition 2nd tier officials was wrong.”
So the Italian with no name which sounds like a working title of a spaghetti western takes the crown. Well done whoever you are!
Winner Italian Ref that did the ¼ final of ECC
2nd Wayne Barnes
3rd All Good
5. WORST REFEREE:
So when a 50:50 comes up with a few minutes left and the whistle goes and the arm goes up for a penalty don’t blame me it’s you lot who say who you thought had a stinker…
I just compile the results! Martin Fox is the only ref that appears in both best and worst categories, so well done him.
Sean Davey gets a vote for his performance at home to Gloucester and gets another vote from me for having overly quaffed hair. James Jones who reffed the EDF game against the Scarlets, was apparently seen putting on full clown attire and driving away from VR in a car whose doors fell off when he beeped his horn.
Roman Poitre upset a few of you despite me not having a clue as to when he actually reffed one of our games. “Roman Poitre; seen him 3 times, varying from dire to awful”
But winner by a mile was David Rose who took the vast majority of votes. There was also a vote for “That joker who reffed the Leicester game”… which was also David Rose. If you’re reading David sorry, I think it’s just all the emotion of the last game of the season, I think you’re great, so don’t hold it against us next season please. Winner David Rose
2nd Roman Poitre
3rd No one
6. BEST MEDIA PERFORMANCE BY A RUGBY CELEBRITY OR BROADCASTER:
Edward G can do no wrong. Technically I’m not sure if this even fits the category but I left it in anyway “Edward G. for having the balls, taking the time to engage on the board and continuing to engage despite some rude, aggressive and unnecessary responses (p.s. do I get a free season ticket)”
ITV takes a vote “for their new Match of the Day style highlights programme. Plenty to improve with it next season but a hugely welcome arrival in the TV schedules.” … indeed just need to sort out their Iplayer equivalent so we can watch at work and you might just get my vote.
One escaped lunatic voted for Stuart Barnes. “I'm one of the few who thinks he has strong, informed opinions and makes good tv, unlike some bland ex-pro not wishing to upset anyone. You may not agree with him, but he gets you talking - what you want out of a presenter.”
Austin Heely and Scott Quinell took votes for their grass roots rugby shows while Michal Lynagh takes several votes for his punditry.
Saracens TV on the official website is clearly a very welcome addition, although perhaps forgotten this year by many voters? “All the bits I missed when taking my son to the toilet during a game are there for me to watch again a couple of days later” and “nice. I love the behind the scenes stuff” were just two comments on the excellent service.
Will Greenwood gets his normal slew of votes for not being Stuart Barnes. But the newcomer to this poll pushes him aside as he takes first place.
“When England play badly, he is very entertaining” and
“Like having a proper supporter with the mic, says it as it is, if it’s poor, you can bet he’ll say so unlike that idiot Butler”
“Brilliant columnist in the telegraph, opinionated sometimes wrong but always interesting” Yes Brain Moore is this years media man of choice.
Winner Brian Moore
2nd Will Greenwood
3rd Saracens TV
7. WORST MEDIA PERFORMANCE BY A RUGBY CELEBRITY OR BROADCASTER:
Claws out people, your chance to vent your spleen on those idiots in the media paid to wind you up with their stupid out of touch comments and their blatant one eyed nonsense, those know nothing about rugby fools!
“Paul Ackford (drivel made worse by the patronising style) closely contested by Dewi Morris (for just being like a nodding dog – just repeats what others have said) and Jonathan Davies (myopic nonsense – listening to static would be less irritating – hooray for the mute button)”
“Anyone in the Ciprani fan club” that will be Stephen Jones who one day hopes Englands 6th choice Fly Half will dump Kelly Brook and move in with him.
“The indescribably bad Andrew Sheridan (no not the Sale prop)) of Radio Bristol doing our game at Bath. Shocking doesn’t even begin to describe it.”
“Sonia McLoughlin; why? (closely followed by Colin Charvis)” T
here were also several that thought Brian Moore was an “irritating prat” who “talks garbage” which just shows how opinions differ!
Jeremy Guscott is also picked out as a “preening know nothing fool”. But the winner for the 56th consecutive year was Stuart Barnes. Do I need to add anything more?!
Winner Stuart Barnes
2nd Jeremy Guscott
3rd Brian Moore
8. THE MICHAEL GENTLEMAN (SAMUI MAN) CONTRIBUTION TO THESARACENS.COM MESSAGE BOARD:
You bunch of brown nosing, apple for the teacher, two faced, easily pleased, bunch of having the wool pulled over your eyes buggers!
Turning up out of the blue while everyone thought it an elaborate wind up, Edward Griffiths storms this award. Heralded as the devil incarnate by some, ‘Edward G’ won over many people by simply popping his head above the parapet and talking to us.
Some might not like what was said but hats off to our CEO for taking the time and effort to answer questions. Despite some of the abusive messages he received, he was willing to risk the wrath of Mrs Griffiths by missing dinner and sitting up to the early hours replying to questions asked of him by the message board. Thanks Edward, it is appreciated.
Large despite cutting down his day to day presence got a lot of votes and pats on the back for his excellent ‘top 50 Saracens article’ general all round contribution and because “he’s welsh and on the radio”
Other notable mentions of other board members include
“Bboonie, for his deep statistical analysis.”
“For blind devotion and dedication to the cause: VyvansNo1Fan”
“All the Ed’s”
“I always find Convex Hull to have a considered opinion and a decent sense of humour.”
“All the posts that never were – every time that somebody resisted the urge to jump in with both feet and bemoan something, when they’d have been wiser to stop and think first.”
There was also one vote for one message board regular for being a “cantankerous bar steward” but the diplomacy lesions I’ve been on prevent me from naming!
Winner Edward G
Picture Credit: PhilFez
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon01/09/2009 20:48
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:09:10:21:34:52 by Kat.
And in a swot sort of know-all (Google searching) sort of way, the Italian ref of the year was one Mr Carlo Damasco. May he return to our shores for the Toulon game! For those in the fan club, Carlo was born in Naples on 3 September 1972. He is married to Mara and they have a daughter Sara. Love Google and it's amusing translation of the Italian wikipedia and about as much as anyone could care to know about his career...!
Will stop now before I sound like a stalker...
It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!
Quote:“Bboonie, for his deep statistical analysis.”
Kinell!
I'll buy you a pint for that.
Bboonie xxx
"Tomorrow the world"
- Last night I was with Rupes on the 'wanting to throw a PC out a window'
Do any onf the eds know why, when you apste a perfectly formatted document into the window and press 'submit' It automatically removes spaces between paras? It has been driving me mad for years.
As to the random bit of altered size font.... Gawd only knows.
Incidentally, please could the 'ead 'itters use size 2 fonts when publishing as my cruddy eyesight can barely read size 1
Ta
Who removed my H.R. Giger picture?
Quote:I usually find editing text in word formats better - until you need to correct it. For which I still use word.
Thanks, I Already do that - any other suggestions?
Chisels and slate will be the way forward in the future, none of this t'internet rubbish...
Now, where are all those match report and preview volunteers?
It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!
More Saracens headlines
- END OF SEASON POLL AT LAST
- PWR Semi Final and Final 2025-26 Report
- Saracens Women v Ealing Trailfinders PWR Final Report
- Saracens Women v Ealing Trailfinders PWR Final Preview
- MARK McCALL, AN APPRECIATION
- Saracens Women v Exeter Chiefs Women PWR Semi-Final Report
- Exeter Chiefs v Saracens Premiership Report
- EXETER v SARACENS: please post match related content here
- SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST