By fletcher2215
May 3 2016

Arriving at the Madstad the first thing that struck me was the line of away coaches snaking down the hill outside the stadium, Quins were here in force! and with the team-sheet in hand, bar a couple of notable exceptions (Robshaw, Roberts & the Suspended Marler) were a full strength side. With  the away side still in with a chance of clinching top flight European rugby without having to rely on a win in the Challenge cup this was not going to be an easy afternoon.  

As always I am starting this match report with a blank piece of paper, wondering how I am going to sum up what went on yesterday afternoon. I am going to try not to make it an inquest into the season (that’s for other channels and another day me thinks).

So with the pre match logistics and traditions observed we entered the Madstad complex for the last time this season. The place had a busyness and bustle that I had not seen for some time. Fans new and old from both sides making and re-acquainting friends. The food and drink sellers doing good (if not swift) trade, the queues from the burger and beer concessions in the East Stand village making it difficult to navigate round to our gate. As I took my seat in Y23 I surveyed the scene. The pre match player drills were under-way and the music loud and clear. Those in the west seemed greater in number than of late and in the east few gaps were visible certainly from my vantage point.The feeling of “well this is it” was very much to the fore from those around me.

As the teams entered on to the pitch a memory of the first time I saw Quins this season came to mind. Quins were back in their “economy baked bean tin” away kit just as they were back in October. A few minutes later Irish arrived resplendent in green.... Come On You Irish, game on!

The kick-off was long allowing Quins to set up the first of their numerous attacks that lead to 3 early tries. Quins were full of running with play at pace and off-loading to boot. Irish were either not making or missing tackles and looking distinctly second best for the first quarter of the match.

I caught myself looking at the roof of the stand arms crossed wondering why? What do we need to do to make a difference? The crowd in the East Stand seemed to sense this and support from both teams became more vocal in their support making the game buzz. The bench for Irish always looked strong to me with Franks and Trev in reserve. The appearance of Franks seemed to galvanise the pack and within minutes we were pressing the line and the driving maul had become a real weapon. With a Quin in the bin and the crowd behind the team Irish again cut the deficit working with the pack before Tiks stretched and squeezed over, my mood was lifting. Half time interjected but we were soon back under-way hoping the fightback would continue... It did. Irish were battling hard and with the introduction of Trev the go forward became greater. The Quins lead was again cut by Irish when David Paice barrelled over for a well rewarded score. The belief in those around me was beginning to rise - Irish were now level - but we had all been here before.

“I can handle the pain, it’s the hope that kills me” was uttered - I had to look up the quote later (it was quite prophetic as it turned out) [Note from Eds - it's from Nick Hornby film, and probably book, "A Lond Way Down" hence the picture], but it raised a laugh to break the tension in the stands, TBC was on kicking form and gave Irish the lead, only to be pegged back with another Quins pen. Yeesh! Irish had seemed to run themselves ragged for the cause and holes began to appear none bigger than the ones created by the Quins replacement prop steamrollering Mckibbin into the ground. That was it really. Try as Irish might the way back was blocked the final whistle came and we all sunk to the ground in collective exasperation and exhaustion.

The way home was quiet as we digested what had happen, checking the phone did not give much solace. Sarries had defeated Falcons but the final hope of a Bedford upset has all but been put to bed in the 1st leg of the championship play-off. Oh well let the pain of the re-org and rebuild commence, the hope still remains.

MotM for me was Franks with honourable mentions for Paice & TBC.