By David Lowrence - "St Marlowe"
October 3 2013

 It’s that time of year again. Wafting down the Welford road from the Northlands into the Shire, drifts the unmistakeable odour of Cockpoo, Bullcrap and Sanctimony.  It must be the first local derby of our year, and there is the added frisson of it being the first meeting since Mr Harltley was dismissed in last year’s final, and the Cock was banished to a cage by the RFU in response to 30,00 irate emails from Northampton complaining that the naughty step was not enough. Wicked Saints

Aviva Premiership Round 5

Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints

Saturday 5^th October

Welford Road - KO 3:15pm

Reading ChrisC’s excellent preview on the Tiggers’ site, one could be forgiven for thinking that an atmosphere of mutual respect had broken out between the supporters. (two hopes there – Bob and None). A well researched opinion of the strengths and weaknesses, of the two teams. Except.

Except that it has sown the seeds of doubt in the minds of some Stripey supporters up the road. (or are they just mindgames…) Claiming the underdog status so early and with such passion is an old trick, but is it all part of a massive plot, compounded by the Cock’s article in the media, crying out for the game to be decided by the rugby, and not by the naughtiness of Dylan in throwing mud on his whiter than white team, who never transgress? (Pause while the writer changes underpants moistened during laughter, and goes off to buy a round).

On the holy board that is COYS, we now seem to have a number of young pups who have fallen for all this, and are claiming that we will win. Sacrilege!!. WMS wert thou here. A pome or two would have shown these youngsters the error of their ways. These pre match rituals  produce A riddle wrapped up in an enigma and to paraphrase the context in which Churchill wrote that - "I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia the Tigger. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian the Tiggers’ national competitive interest."

Enough of the preambling I hear you cry. On to the match!

On paper (but we will be playing this on grass) the Saints would appear to be in a strong position. For once what we appear to have lost up front (pause to allow all the “pundits” to lecture Jim about the loss of Tiny and the Mooj) has been more than compensated for by having a back row that can deliver, three-quarters that are on fire, and the man that Tigers have a plan to neutralise (oh yeah?) St George. – One of the mistakes Sale made was to concentrate on George to the detriment of their defence against another gem – Jamie Elliot. A young player who, if he can combine his profligacy in try scoring with his Northampton background of Tiger Hunting, could wipe the grins off a number of Crumbie dwellers.

What amuses is that our friends in Leicester are making assumptions about a number of players they have had no opportunity to see play (let alone against their own). Some interesting matchups, and I expect Samu and Courtney to inflict havoc in the Leicester ranks – because they can.

That is not, however to underestimate the grit and grinding power of Leicester. We are the Underdogs – ‘twas ever thus. The bookies have us there, and that is our rightful place. Winning from below is the order of the day, and something which I believe we can do on Saturday. (Can,  not necessarily will)

Having seen some interesting stuff on Monday night, I would like to throw a curved ball to Leicester on Saturday. My team would be:

15 Foden

14 Elliot

13 G Pisi

12 Burrell

11 North

10 Myler

9 L Dickson

8 Van Velze

7 Harrison

6 Wood

5 Manoa

4 Lawes

3 Mercey

2 Hartley

1 Corbisiero

Replacements:

16 Haywood

17 Waller

18 Denman

19 Dickinson

20 Dowson

21 Fotuali'i

22 Wilson

23 Collins

(On the basis Daisy may not play, and that we will play a fluid backline!) But I expect Jim will swap Dowson for Harrison – in spite of his capabilities (shown on Monday)

I shall be watching from my vantage point in the Goldsmiths stand where I find the supporters to be sensible, realistic and welcoming. Looking forward to this one immensely. 

And the result? Saints by a whisker.