Gone fishing?


By vorpal-blade
January 30 2006

This was always going to be a difficult match for Tigers, even at Welford Road in front of the faithful. Walking up Walnut Street through the City fans served to contrast the fortunes of Leicester’s sporting sons, one of opposing directions.

What became abundantly apparent was the unexpected arrival of a new (and unwelcome) ice age. I would need to resort to the big book of clichés for this one as; “the player’s breath hung in the air” would matter little as so did that of those watching on the frozen steppes of the Crumbie Terrace!

What was needed was a pulsating game of Rugby between the form side of the GP and arguably on of the hardest to beat in their back garden. A Tigers side shorn of their inspirational leader Corry was always going to have a harder task to face but in front of a pretty healthy crowd, doable. Few of those around me felt that the game un-winnable but few felt this was going to be easy, myself included. Watching Hodgson kicking endless grubbers and chips and penalties did begin to reinforce the message that Sale were side filled with class. Equally, watching the diminutive figure of Jason Robinson going through his jinking runs reminded those watching, that this was the man who had dived over the line in that RWC Final. No, with a sprinkling of England internationals ably backed by a Foreign Legion this had the makings of a feast of Rugby for the expectant crowd.

As Tigers warmed up at the far end their new signing could be seen, apparently a Norwegian or Finn? Leo Cullen was to Captain Tigers in Corry’s absence and I was keen to see the player that had arrived and become such a valued player so quickly. Seru was out there, heavily strapped and sporting a more Tuilagi-ine barnet than in the programme.

As the crowd were treated to the K-tel classic one more time Tigers streamed onto a very muddy pitch and the game started like a teenage first date, with Sale’s fumbling being punished by Andy Goode to the crowd’s delight. The deficit was reduced by that most reliable of boots. Both sides seemed to be feeling the other out, Sale made good use of the formerly missing link, Sebastien Chabal appearing omnipresent.

An early try looked on for the visitors but for some fine defence from Sam Vesty continuing his fine run of form and clearing to touch despite having taken a knock. Sale had clearly spotted what was obvious to the crowd that Seru was a long way from match-fit. Welford Road in January never looked so far from Suva as it did yesterday.

Tigers pack stood up to some serious examination in the opening minutes with Hodgson orchestrating the game splendidly for Sale as Tigers were put under sustained pressure. Sale’s forwards carried the ball into contact with relish, led by Chabal but Jason white and Dean Schofield also threatened with each rumbling run. At this stage Tigers defence was heroic if not on occasion desperate. The loss of their Captain did not cause any pain to Sale as they quickly made use of Tigers weakest point and Schofield powered over in a largely undefended corner. The conversion was a formality and the crowd did not need to be reminded to be courteous, the ease and manner of the try having already done that. Hodgson now set about exposing Seru’s static performance with probing kicks and concentrated pressure on the big winger. An early opportunity to turn defence into attack resulted in a wander across field and an eventual turnover. Foden and Hodgson were beginning to look ominously comfortable and once again Sale were over for a forward’s try, this time with Chris Jones going over. Hodgson put over the extra and it wasn’t just the artic wind that was sending a shiver down the spines of the crowd. This was beginning to look like a rout.

Tigers had been badly exposed in defence with some poor tackling from backs and forwards being equally culpable. An increasingly desperate defence was throwing up some unlikely stars as Andy Goode and Leon Lloyd standing up to be counted. In midfield Ollie’s hair outshining his performance. Thankfully Cuetto seemed out of sorts and the wide expansive game that Sale threatened seemed to have failed to materialise. One of the choice mach ups would have to be between Cuetto and Varndell, with young Tom having a chance to showcase his talent. Unfortunately this was not to be as Tom produced one of his less spectacular displays and looking a little shy in contact.

The forwards battle was being hard fought and in the front row Julian was putting together a good case for finding the funds to secure his services, Faure receiving a stern lesson. In the line-out all concerned were below par but for Tigers Cullen was playing with confidence and Big Ben was in rare form. The breeze was causing the hookers problems but as the touch judges seemed blissfully unaware it was largely negated as no-one profited.

Lewis’s return to combat produced another adrenalin fuelled display. Never one to be shy in contact he had set about rattling our Seb’s cage on the restarts. It was a necessary decision as the hairy giant was having a superb match. Unfortunately for Lewis it was more teenage romance with him arriving a little too early for Mr Honiss’s liking. Lewis caught Chabal in the air and got his chance to use up the hot water, with a predictable yellow card.

He did not reappear after the break and Luke Abraham took to the field in his place. There was some concern at the sight of Seru again after the break given his defence performance in the first. He had not looked up for it but in truth had more than one or two fellow sinners for company. He was duly replaced by Alex Tuilagi and this heralded both sides ring changes. Ben Kay’s excellent performance gave way to Louis Deacon. Sale soon replaced the embattled Faure with Andrew Sheridan and again the crowd waited for Tigers to pack to creak but they stood firm, resolute even. The battle was begin to show and in quick succession Titterell gave way to Bruno for Sale and for Tigers Harry’s day was done and Austin came on for him and the game acquired a renewed urgency. Tigers were now pressing and Sale’s hirsute game breaker Chabal was now walking wounded. Despite this he managed to drop into a barely bound position and pick up and drive at Varndell, in a move only missed by the Tigers players that almost gave up a try. Austin quickly punished the visitors from the ensuing penalties and Tigers found themselves pressing to score but Varndell was swallowed up as he tried for the corner. Austin was marshalling his forces well and forcing Sale to play a less attacking game.

Goodey had dropped a goal in the first half to keep Tigers in it but by now it was an uncomfortably close game. More changes ensued, Wiggy giving way to Morris as Tigers now began to put Sale under pressure. Both kickers had missed attempts but now as the game moved into the last 10 minutes it became an exchange if penalties. George Chuter finally succumbed and Buckland charged on to add fresh momentum to the forwards. It had felt like a game governed by a pedant and as an expectant Welford clung on to the hope that they could at least prevent defeat if not secure a win.

Hodgson stayed in the pocket whenever the opportunity presented but failed to find a drop goal. One attempt was charged down and but for weary legs might have given Tigers a try. And with Tigers once again penalised by the ever-zealous Mr Honiss, a last-ditch attempt to secure Sale victory foundered on a poor line-out at the death and somehow Goodey cleared downfield from his own try line and the game finally ended in a draw.

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