Saracens Preview - 26/02/2006

So, it’s off to Watford for another bottom-of-the-table clash. We have met on eleven previous occasions in the League with Bristol successful on just two occasions: 45-22 at the Memorial Ground in 1999 and 28-26 at Watford in 2002. Last weekend saw a draw take Bristol back up the table above both Saracens and B**h, with Leeds remaining in the relegation spot. Saracens conceded a record 58 points at Northampton last weekend and are on a run of 7 successive defeats in the Premiership.

Our last league match at Saracens was in the relegation season of 2002-2003. It was a weekday evening kick-off, the weather was cold and the rain poured. Despite this, a large number of travelling supporters made themselves heard and sheltered under banners protesting against ‘plans’ to merge us with a nearby team or even relocate to Oxford. Remarkably, our then owner made his way along the pitch to applaud our efforts. What was he thinking? The match itself was a desperate struggle with Saracens attempting to haul themselves out of the relegation-zone and Bristol equally determined to move off the foot of the table.

The match became an epic confrontation for both sides, and nearly ten minute of injury time left both players and supporters drained. At the final whistle the score stood at 17 – 16 to Saracens. The bonus point was enough to lift us off the bottom, with just a match at Ashton Gate (I forget who against) and another at London Irish to come. Would Bristol be able to cling on or would we be ‘merged’ as London Scottish and Richmond once merged with London Irish?

So much for history, but again we find both Saracens and ourselves battling to avoid the drop. Our recent draw arrested our slide down the table and Saracens thumping at the hands of Northampton consigned them two places below us. They have recently sacked their head coach, Steve Diamond, had a crisis meeting after their record defeat and their much-anticipated signing from Rugby League hasn’t even played a league match.