Saracens
SHERWOOD LIKE TO HAVE BEEN THERE.......
A class act....
By Jonny Browne
May 3 2021
After last week’s superb performance against Ealing Trailfinders opened up our pathway to the playoffs and to some extent mitigated the Pirates result, Sarries are faced with a different kind of challenge today as we face Nottingham RFC, who as I write are sitting bottom of this season’s 11-club table and are yet to record a win and have but two losing bonus points. Nottingham, who have been forced by RFU funding issues to revert to part-time status and have no “names” in their squad, should not however be underestimated – similarly to the game we saw against Richmond last month, the East Midlands outfit are likely to be well-organised, well coached (by Neil Fowkes, who is rated highly enough to have been appointed as full-time scrum coach at Wasps who he will shortly be joining after 22 years’ association with Nottingham), and, like all the other sides we’ve faced, very motivated. Sarries have, in recent times, much to thank Nottingham for – they are a club who helped nurture two of our bona fide cult heroes from the past decade, Chris Wyles and Petrus Du Plessis, while Alex Lewington, who this season has been in lethal form, had a couple of seasons in the green and white of his home town club before making his name at Irish.
The 5.30pm kick-off has given us the benefit of seeing a couple of results that may be of relevance to Sarries – Trailfinders have battered Richmond 67-9, while Pirates have won 30-19 at Coventry. We’re in a decent position, ten points behind Ealing, one point behind Knights and, after this weekend’s round of matches, with a game in hand (NB Knights won 27-19 against Bedford on Sunday)
As with all the other away trips the Browne household had planned (actually we were going to do all of them….) there's one big “miss”, and in the case of Nottingham - apart from a visit to the ground and hopefully making new friends - it's the chance of a post-match pint or three of Marston’s Pedigree in the fabled Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, which was spoken fondly, not to say longingly, of during the pre-match SSA Virtual Gathering. The Trip, as it’s affectionately known among us beer-swilling types, is a contender for the oldest pub in England and nestles against Castle Rock so it’s a unique experience drinking there. If you haven’t been to the Trip, it’s worth the trip…as it were…..
In the pre-match interviews, Neil Fowkes tells us that his side are looking to be physical and to carry hard. He also recognises the need to get off to a quick start. Smally talks about the 9 changes from last week’s squad, with the aim of giving some game time to younger players which will provide an opportunity to leam off the older heads. Mark wants Sarries to be themselves today. Well said.
The Sarries team is indeed notably changed from last week, with Woolstencroft and Clarey in the front row, Joel Kpoku alongside Itoje in the second row, Venter and Christie starting alongside Billy, Morris coming in at 13 with Daly moving across to full-back and Segun returning to the starting line-up on the left.
I’m not familiar with Nottingham’s squad other than Charlie Thacker, brother of Harry, and we’re told that the young second row Allen is making his senior debut – what a memory that will be for him, whatever the result.
Riddington kicks the match into life for Nottingham, and Sarries gather on our 22, returning a box kick. Daly gathers the ball after Nottingham reciprocate, and Farrell clears. Nottingham are pinned back on their own half by a Sarries defence showing good line speed in the early moments. We’ve been in the habit of beginning games a little slowly, so this is good to see.
Daly and Whiteley are showing well in the early stages.
Nottingham kick to touch and from the lineout Sarries look to move Nottingham round and force them to work hard, as we work the ball wide through Daly before Mako is stopped by a decent hit from Rillington - knock-on and it’s a scrum to Nottingham. Sarries, with a changed pack from last week, get a good shove on but Nottingham hold firm and work the ball out of the melee and exit with a long kick from Dolly. Daly chases and it’s a lineout to Sarries and again we look to work the ball wide and move Nottingham around – clearly a plan for today – but momentum is lost with a forward pass from Daly to Lewington so it’s another scrum to Nottingham.
After a re-set Sarries again look strong but Nottingham clear, which Daly gathers and Sarries work forward to eventually win a penalty for not rolling away. Farrell kicks to the corner and Venter peels away, getting close to the line, and the push for an early score continues. A quick pick and go, then Christie is driven over under the posts on 8 minutes - Farrell has an easy conversion for 0-7.
Sarries gather the restart and surge forward, but it’s a penalty to Nottingham. A kick to the corner and it’s a lineout on 5 metres – the exit is well- worked and from the maul Nottingham try to push forward but the promising spell for the home side ends with a penalty to Sarries resulting in a lineout on our 40. Whitely knocks forward, and Nottingham try to kick and chase but the ball goes into touch. I have to say that Nottingham have a bit of pace in their side.
Sarries exit the lineout cleanly and Farrell kicks to Nottingham’s 20, and Sarries steal the lineout. Then it’s a scrum to Sarries for a knock-on 22 metres out although Nottingham quickly win a turnover and cleat their lines. Sarries move forward again but it’s a penalty to Nottingham followed by a well-worked lineout as they play some positive rugby and have put in some big hits. Sarries are working characteristically hard in defence but Nottingham persist, winning a penalty which they opt to tap and go as Sarries continue to defend well, driving the home side back. Another penalty to Nottingham is kicked to Sarries’ 22 but this time Sarries win the lineout and then a penalty advantage or side entry and kick long. Nottingham gather the ball and try to work forward but the Wolfpack is at its smothering best and a kicking exchange is followed by a penalty to Sarries as Nottingham are penalised for offside.
Farrell kicks to Nottingham’s 22 and then it’s a penalty advantage picked up as we work out forward but an opportunity is wasted as Woolstencroft’s throw is not straight. The ensuing scrum to Nottingham 10 metres from their line is exited cleanly but they are again hemmed in and Dolly clears but back come Sarries - this spell featuring a novel juggling act from Mako – with a lovely pass from Billy’s soft hands finding the absolute bargain that is Venter, and in a classy phase of play Farrell and Taylor set up the marauding Lewington to go over against his old club, in space and to the right of the posts on 24 minutes Farrell s given another easy opportunity to add the extras for 0-14.
Sarries look in control as a break from Itoje briefly excites but comes to nothing, and a move forward breaks down with a knock-on for a scrum to Nottingham. Wray is now on. The East Midlanders exit well and win a penalty advantage for offside. The ball is kicked deep into Sarries half to the 22 but the lineout is scrappy and although possession is retained it’s a penalty to Sarries. Farrell kicks to 25 metres out from Nottingham’s line then Sarries work forward but Nottingham turn over and set up a kick and chase which the alert Segun gets to and Farrell clears long before Sarries win a penalty off Browning under the posts.
A tap and go sets up a push to the Nottingham line but Sarries fall short and go again with a penalty advantage. Farrell; looking this week, as wit last, like he’s enjoying himself (without braking into a smile, of course) attempts a cheeky, crosskick but the busy Browning snuffs out any immediate danger and we’re back for the penalty – another tap and go, from which Sarries pile on the pressure, the it’s another pen as the referee warns Nottingham to improve their disciplines in the rucks.
The tap and go routine is enacted once more, and following the warning it’s a team yellow card as Betts trudges off. Sarries this time opt for a 5 metre scrum. The irresistible force that is Billy drives forward bit is stopped, then Whiteley, who to my increasing regret will be leaving us for Brizzle, sets Dom Morris up to get over on 34 mins. Another easy conversion for Farrell and the bonus point gets a little closer at 0-21.
Nottingham chase hard and win the restart but knock on. Sarries win a penalty from the scrum, which the sinistral-footed Daly kicks to Nottingham’s 22. Nottingham hold out in the closing moments of the half and the whistle goes.
It must be said that although Sarries look to be well in control of this match, I reflect during the crisps and beer break, the strength of the Championship is badly underestimated – they may be propping up the table, and have yet to seriously threaten our lines in this match, but Nottingham look a very decent side to me. I am unashamedly against the Premiership becoming a “closed shop” – and although I long ago tired of the sentimentality in some quarters around the “little club from Devon” (it’s been ELEVEN YEARS since they reached the top level of the English game), it’s scandalous that the structure of our game will not now permit clubs like Nottingham, who work so hard to coach well, organise well and invariably improve the players they have, to harbour any ambition to do more than just survive. Every club we’ve played this season, even allowing for the added motivation of playing Sarries, has demonstrated that they’re entitled to aspire to moving onwards and upwards to perhaps in a few years emulate the aforementioned “little club”.
Stepping tentatively down from my soapbox (it’s hard work, this climbing business at my age) and settling back down in front of the TV……..
Farrell starts the second act by kicking long, and in the face of the onrushing Wolfpack Nottingham gather but are pinned back and clear long into touch but it’s “on the full”, and Daly gathers, smartly plays back in and Sarries move forward and win a scrum. A good shove by Nottingham and it’s a scrum to the home side. A better spell from Sarries results in a penalty which is kicked to 8 metres out - the maul rumbled forward to the line, but it’s collapsed by Nottingham and a penalty try is given on 43 minutes. The worst possible start to the half for Nottingham as they are temporarily down to 13 men and losing 0-28. For Sarries, it’s the bonus point try.
Three minutes later things get even worse for Nottingham as Sarries gather the restart and push forward. Nottingham, still working hard, turn over and the long clearance is snapped up by Daly and Sarries flood forward to set up Lewington to go over for his second try on 46 minutes - Farrell adds the extras for 0- 35. This is Sarries at their ruthless best.
Daly drives forward again but it’s a lineout to Nottingham who are starting to tire. After and debate over numbers in the lineout, Nottingham’s poor execution of the set piece allows Farrell to clear high and Nottingham again are pinned down and trying to exit. Possession changes hands a couple of times before there’s time off for an injury to Thacker and a scrum to Nottingham.
Sarries change their front row on 50 minutes, with George, Mawi and Koch now on.
The scrum proceeds after a reset and result in a free kick to Nottingham for early engagement by the refreshed Sarries pack. The game goes on and the touch judge gives a forward pass against Nottingham, the Sarries scrum followed by a flowing move - the sort that even non-rugby fans enjoy – which sees the classy Daly gliding forward to slice through a weary Nottingham defence and put an onrushing Whiteley over on 52 minutes – another unerring conversion from Farrell kicking from the left over and it’s 0-42.
Nottingham, tired as they are, continue to work hard to get something from the game and win a penalty off Koch. The lineout on Sarrries’ 22 is worked well and it’s another pen to the home side who go for the corner. Sarries don’t contest the lineout, the maul is formed and for all their hard work throughout the game we see the first real spell of pressure from Nottingham, before the ball goes loose and Sarries clear into touch through Lewington. Nottingham win the lineout and a penalty after accidental offside – they elect to take a scrum, which is reset and it’s a Nottingham penalty. A quick tap and go looks to set them up but Nottingham lose the ball forward under pressure from Daly. Day is on for Whiteley. Another reset and it’s a penalty, to Sarries this time, and Farrell kicks to 45 metres out.
Sarries exit quickly and Nottingham pick up possession but are driven into touch for a Sarries lineout on the 5 metre line – the maul drives forward with a penalty advantage, Billy goes in hard and then Farrell tries a chipped ball but we’re back for the penalty. A tap and go and Mawi drives over as we reach the last quarter of an hour. Farrell converts with ease to take his tally to 12 points and it’s 0-49.
The game is reaching its closing stages now as Day’s box-kick flies out on the full so back we come for a Nottingham lineout which Sarries steal, Daly tries to chip the ball forward and it’s another lineout to Nottingham which Christie gets to and Sarries move forward. Sarries maintain their pressure, and some slick play involving George and Wray gets us out of our seats momentarily during this period. Nottingham turn over and clear, only for Sarries to come back at them although some respite is gained for the tired home side through a scrum for a forward pass – a good exit and long clearance is fumbled by Sarries. Nottingham’s pursuit of some points is ended by a big hit from Itoje and Sarries clear their lines.
Nottingham come back at Sarries once more, but knock on for a Sarries scrum on the half way line. A sound exit is followed by a penalty advantage – quick ball from a lineout at 8 metres, and Sloan, coming though from the back of the lineout gets over at a stretch on 75 minutes for Sarries to pass the half-century mark - the reliable right boot of Farrell from the left takes the score to 0-56.
The game ends with Nottingham still working hard but to no avail against a clinical and controlled Sarries.
Despite the scoreline, Nottingham played good rugby throughout, and with what they’ve had to contend with in recent months I wish them nothing but well and hope that as life and sport return to whatever becomes normal, the club can survive, bring in some investment, and thrive.
For Sarries, it was a job well done – we were clinical when taking our chances, the Wolfpack functioned well, and Farrell, clearly very happy to play whenever called upon was superb – game management, handling skills, physicality and kicking all faultless. Other standouts were Daly, not in his preferred position but stlll oozing class, Billy is getting back to his bulldozing self, and as for Whiteley, I’m beginning to regret having to say goodbye to him.
Teams
Nottingham;
15 Stapley; 14 Graham; 13 Williams; 12 Thacker; 11 Browning; 10 Riddington; 9 Dolly
1 Sio; 2 Farnworth; 3 Betts; 4 Allen; 5 Frost; 6 Ryan; 7 Kirwan; 8 Coghlan
Substitutes:
16 Evans; 17 Williams; 18 O'Connor; 19 Manz; 20 Poullet; 21 Stronge; 22 Manihera
23 Cox
Sarries:
15 Daly; 14 Lewington; 13 Morris; 12 Taylor; 11 Segun; 10 Farrell; 9 Whiteley
1 Mako Vunipola; 2 Woolstencroft; 3 Clarey; 4 Itoje; 5 Kpoku; 6 Venter; 7 Christie
8 Billy Vunipola
Substitutes:
16 George; 17 Mawi; 18 Koch; 19 Hunter-Hill; 20 Wray; 21 Day; 22 Hooley; 23 Sloan
Referee:
Anthony Woodthorpe
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:06:06:08:23:35 by Darraghgirl.
Quote:Darraghgirl
Nice report Jonny and well published too!
Thank you DG - your tuition was excellent - thank you again - and the only hiccup was momentarily forgetting how to paste!
I do agree that while I felt that Billy’s display was, for me, very heartening, there’s still a way to go.
Besides, it's a Green King (even more yeech) pub, so not likely to be a regular beer. Nottinghamshire has so many decent local breweries too!
Anyway, you'll soon be lucky enough to be able to visit the best scruffy old pub with the best list of beers and ciders in Cov; The Broomfield.
Far, far better! 😉
Might see you there...
Quote:Kimbo
All the way to Nottingham to drink Pedigree? Yeech.
Besides, it's a Green King (even more yeech) pub, so not likely to be a regular beer. Nottinghamshire has so many decent local breweries too!
Anyway, you'll soon be lucky enough to be able to visit the best scruffy old pub with the best list of beers and ciders in Cov; The Broomfield.
Far, far better! 😉
Might see you there...
I was referring more to the Trip as a pub worth seeing than anything else - and last time I was there, some years back now, I did have a few rather excellent pints of Pedigree. All a matter of taste.
The Elastic was always my pub of choice when in Cov years ago but I believe that’s shut down. Thanks for recommending the Broomfield!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:05:06:14:10:49 by jonnybrowne.
The Elastic Inn was, with my dad, one of my favourite old Cov pubs, and we always stopped in there for one or three on the way to Highfield Rd on a Saturday (he was a huge CCFC fan).
Great pint of Ansell's Bitter in there in the seventies, but I completely gave up on that when the Aston Brewery closed and they moved production to Burton. It became a totally different beer, and not in a good way.
Quote:Kimbo
Yes, it's worth a look, that's beyond doubt, but I'm no fan of Marston's - particularly Peddy
Great pint of Ansell's Bitter in there in the seventies, but I completely gave up on that when the Aston Brewery closed and they moved production to Burton. It became a totally different beer, and not in a good way.
My most-missed beer is M&B Mild. I’d even give a limb fur a pint of Brew XI..,
Quote:You can (I think) still get Brew, and the last time I tried it, a few years ago in Lincolnshire, it still tasted much the same. I'll admit I was never a huge fan, but that's because it was rarely kept well. However, when kept properly it was decent, and I often drank it pre-match at the Black Horse near the Butts Park. Sadly, that's (the pub!) closed too now. It was a great pub too.jonnybrowneQuote:Kimbo
Yes, it's worth a look, that's beyond doubt, but I'm no fan of Marston's - particularly Peddy
Great pint of Ansell's Bitter in there in the seventies, but I completely gave up on that when the Aston Brewery closed and they moved production to Burton. It became a totally different beer, and not in a good way.
My most-missed beer is M&B Mild. I’d even give a limb fur a pint of Brew XI..,
BTW, have a look at the pub guide on the Cov SN site if you're coming up on Saturday. Lots to choose from locally.
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