Saracens
Sarries v Falcons, Sunday 3 November
Guess what happens next?
By Innings [on debut]
November 4 2013
It started with a few tentative moments, settled into a phase of developing tempo and ended with a crescendo that had everyone inAllianzParkbreathless. But that was the fireworks display, which had several thousand supporters, the Sarries players and backroom staff on the pitch immediately after the game, to the bemusement of the surrounded Falcons players, who were involved in that aspect of the Allianz Park experience for the first time.
But that’s enough about the fireworks, what about the game? It started with a few tentative moments, settled into a phase of developing tempo and ended with a crescendo that had everyone inAllianzParkbreathless. Falcons selected their team with a clear intent, and the first intent of any team that involves Deano in any role is to deliver shock and awe. True to expectation, they started with intense physicality and commitment, seeking to build an early advantage that would be helped by the strong but gusty wind coming mainly over the south stand behind their backs. Sarries needed to adapt, and quickly, but for the first twenty minutes they were generally on the back foot, too frequently playing in their own 22. A simple penalty gave Phil Godman, the Falcons 10, the easiest of the many early chances. This he took, giving his side a well-deserved lead. Charlie Hodgson had received a warm welcome on his return to action, but the early exchanges troubled the paintwork rather than the scoreboard.
After the opening twenty minutes, it was already becoming clear that the Falcons forwards had expended all their opening energy, and that the outstanding Sarries front row of Barrington, George and Stevens had weathered the onslaught, although Matt suffered what many thought was a harsh sin-binning for pulling down a man in the line-out. Falcons totally failed to capitalise on their advantage, and indeed a powerful surge by Bosch and Wyles towards the north-east corner gave Sarries a hint of an opportunity from about seven metres out. Quick ball to Charlie, a few flapping hands from Falcons’ defence and he was over, taking a leaf straight out of the Owen Farrell playbook at Twickenham yesterday, demonstrating why many of us think he remains one of the most talented players ever to grace the professional game. No miss this time with his own conversion, and Matt came back on shortly afterwards. The writing was becoming clear on the wall now. Soon afterwards Charlie had a penalty shot that would be totally routine, but for the fact he was kicking into the gusting wind. However, he struck sweetly and half-time could scarcely come quick enough for a dispirited-looking Falcons team.
The second period began with a very different feel to it. Sarries had benefited from their breather, and came out to play fast, efficient and adventurous rugby. The largely unthreatening Falcons backs were hoping for scraps with which to work, whilst the Sarries forwards were tightening their grip remorselessly. Quick ball, right to left, a delightful small kick through from a very safe Alex Goode, (why the commentator is still unable to pronounce his name correctly is a mystery) and Strettle was on hand to collect, with the narrowest of channels down which to take three steps, all within a hand’s-width of the line. A touchdown at the very edge of the in-goal area, and his fourth step was into touch. A prolonged analysis by theTMO(eschewing the ‘mayhem’ making opportunity) eventually gave the well-deserved try.
Falcons made a complete change in the front row at 55 minutes, perhaps hoping for some advantage over the hardworking Sarries trio. This brought no luck, and the Sarries set-piece continued to grind out penalties. A series of penalties near the Falcons line set up the third or fourth dangerous Sarries drive, and Jamie George received the plaudits for a team try that splintered the Falcons defence.
At this stage the fourth try was clearly going to happen. Sarries were totally dominant in all phases, playing the rugby that had already earned three bonus points from five wins.
That fourth try was for Goode, just reward for his being at the heart of almost all Sarries’ most threatening attacks, and the safest of safe hands in defence.
Sarries were now having a romp. Falcons had unloaded their bench, to no avail, and neither starters nor replacements had any more to offer. It was little consolation to Falcons that David Strettle finally carried ball and former Sarries favourite Noah Cato over the line for a fifth try, that buried the coffin long after it had already been nailed down. Three early Falcons points were scant pickings in return for the 40 that Sarries put on in reply. Jamie George was popular choice for MoTM, after a busy and highly effective day at the office.
And what of Adam Powell, the other ex-Sarrie on display, and Noah Cato? Neither will look back on today with a smile. The crowd welcomed them during the team announcement, but that was the end of their welcome. Strettle was all over Noah all afternoon, literally so at the end, and Adam had no answer to the physicality of Chris Wyles, or Jackson Wray and Will Fraser.
Finally about the game, what of novice referee Matt Carley? I think this was only his third time with the AP whistle. On balance, he can head home with a smile. Not everything was perfect, and he seemed to bottle out of one yellow-card decision that never looked good, however often he looked at in on the big screen. However, he controlled the game, was generally able to strike the balance between getting the game flowing and being firm when necessary. We’ve all seen performances a lot worse than this.
So tonight Sarries sit atop the table again, after a brief interlude of one hour when Saints had played their game an hour ahead of ours; and the gap widens to two points, whilst the game points difference reverses into Sarries’ favour. It’ll be a grim journey back up north tonight.
The scorers:
For Saracens:
Tries: Hodgson, Strettle 2, George, Goode
Cons: Hodgson 2, Goode
Pens: Hodgson 3
Yellow cards: Stevens
For Newcastle:
Pen: Godman
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Michael Tagicakibau, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Chris Wyles, 11 David Strettle, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Will Fraser, 6 Jackson Wray, 5 Mourtiz Botha, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Jamie George, 1 Richard Barrington.
Replacements:16 Schalk Brits, 17 Nick Auterac, 18 Petrus Du Plessis, 19 George Kruis, 20 Jacques Burger, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Duncan Taylor, 23 Ben Ransom
Newcastle Falcons: 15 Alex Tait, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Danny Barnes, 12 Adam Powell, 11 Ryan Shortland, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Mike Blair, 8 Ally Hogg (c), 7 Will Welch, 6 Mark Wilson, 5 Dom Barrow, 4 Carlo del Fava, 3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Scott Lawson, 1 Rob Vickers.
Replacements: 16 George McGuigan, 17 Grant Shiells, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Fraser McKenzie, 20 Richard Mayhew, 21Warren Fury, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 James Fitzpatrick
Venue: Allianz Park
Referee: Matthew Carley
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce and Andrew Pearce
TMO: Roy Maybank
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon04/11/2013 11:54
I'm not sure that the term 'cub' reporter is appropriate
Many thanks.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2013:11:12:14:10:22 by Darraghgirl.
On Mr Carley, the opinion round me was rather different - 'worst referee all year'; 'bring back Nigel Owens'.
I thought he did OK for a rookie and you are nearer the mark.
I agree that Ed G should take the announcer to one side about his pronunciations - no excuse for getting our players' names wrong. The variabliity with which Kruis is pronounced is my own non-favourite. Just go and ask them!
Quote:AlanE
I agree that Ed G should take the announcer to one side about his pronunciations - no excuse for getting our players' names wrong. The variabliity with which Kruis is pronounced is my own non-favourite. Just go and ask them!
Too blydi right, a common courtesy. When I was an announcer, I used to seek out a representative of the visiting team, and get them verify/correct my pronunciation of their players' names.
Getting the home players' names wrong is pathetic.
It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!
I agree about the ref - two dodgy calls on the yellows, but the first one was called by the touch-judge and the second by the TMO - but overall I thought he had an assured game
Quote:AlanE
...On Mr Carley, the opinion round me was rather different - 'worst referee all year'...
Anybody with that opinion must've missed JP Doyle earlier in the season.
Actually I thought he did OK for a new ref at this level - he can't be used to the kind of "guidance" he'll be getting from long-standing professionals.
And Roger, if we're going about names - make sure you pronounce it properly - JP "Penalty Try" Doyle
Great to see Barrington have some dominance, hopefully by the time Mako comes back he'll be much more confident. Hopefully him and Nick can get a few more games under their belt. It'll help us in the long term.
I now find that someone has changed the photo, but not the caption (which is therefore now inappropriate), added a different photo, but included no attribution.
A well-meaning intervention, no doubt. Please finish the job.
It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!
More Saracens headlines
- END OF SEASON POLL AT LAST
- PWR Semi Final and Final 2025-26 Report
- Saracens Women v Ealing Trailfinders PWR Final Report
- Saracens Women v Ealing Trailfinders PWR Final Preview
- MARK McCALL, AN APPRECIATION
- Saracens Women v Exeter Chiefs Women PWR Semi-Final Report
- Exeter Chiefs v Saracens Premiership Report
- EXETER v SARACENS: please post match related content here
- SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
Saracens latest threads
- END OF SEASON POLL AT LAST
- End of Season Poll (finally) #1
- Writing articles for the Sarries page
- More Game Time
- PensionBee Now main shirt sponsor?
- 26/27 fixtures
- PWR Semi Final and Final 2025-26 Report
- Champions Cup group 26/27
- New photo for the Sarries message board
- Saracens Women v Ealing Trailfinders PWR Final Report