By razcal
November 15 2002

Once again it is time for the weekly round up of tiger related rugby news. Pebles has flunked out. What with 2 newborns and a Leicester/Gloucester marriage a simple account of this week is too much for her shattered nerves so we've had to go that any port in a storm, Razcal again.

The week began with the board in good heart following a convincing win over our nearest and dearest rivals. Plusses from the win at Franklin's Gardens were another outstanding performance from Josh, more good work from Ollie and Cozza. Negatives were a less than convincing appearance at 10 by Mcmullen and a headless chicken impression from Leon.

The bouyant mood was enhanced by England's victory over the All Blacks. While not as rare as a Black Pig trophy this was only the fifth victory over the world's premier rugby nation in our history. And most reporters' man of the match was our own Lewis Moody.

The mood picked up with the news that 4 Tigers would start the England game against Australia, thus putting an end to the Black Pigs' fleeting opportunity to gloat. Ben Kay and this board's idea of the worlds best #7 Neil Back join Jonno and Madeye.

Further amusement came from accounts of Mark H's tutu wearing and ajack's prize giving.

Then near midweek the mood of the board began to change as thoughts turned towards tonight's game against Gloucester. Chris wrote an epic match preview and most attention has focussed on who will kick the goals and who will play fullback with both Stimmo and the world's greatest living Irishman away on international duty. At the time of writing Deano seemed to be leaning towards Leon at #15 but we will only truly know when we get to the ground. But the mood of the board has been apprehensive to say the least and you can tell the Gloucester fans are confident because their vain boasting of previous years has been conspicuous by its absence. Gloucester lose 4 players but we lose 7 plus Wiggy who is injured but would have been at Twickenham if fit. The only glimmers of hope are the quality of last week's performance and the fact it is at home.

The mood was not improved by news that DenIse had been made redundant but posters were falling over themselves to offer their support and comfort.

The IRB announced that they were asking both the RFU and France to resubmit their bids to host the 2007 world cup. This is thought to favour the RFU as their bid could have been totally rejected.

A new poster , newbie, gifted in graphic art caricatures joined the board.

That was the week that was. What will tonight bring? A WIN we hope.

Just one last glimpse of the photo that warns against the perils of betting.