By Ogee
March 9 2014

LV= Cup Semi Final

Northampton Saints v Saracens

Saturday 8th March 2014 Franklin's Gardens

Both team selections were interesting and exciting.  The Saints’  management have, at last, bought into the idea of rotation, with stunning results.  I wonder when ‘Try of the Month’ was last scored by the same player in consecutive months?  The match kicked-off in glorious sunshine, with the game evolving into that classic cliché, the game of two halves; this had nothing to do with the referee’s whistle.  For the first ten and the last thirty minutes the lads were outstanding, for the middle forty, very ordinary.

Perhaps the catalyst for the first change was the loss of Tom Stephenson after 12 minutes.  Will Hooley’s move into the centre clearly impacted on the midfield defensive patterns which, for the rest of the first half, resembled a very worn sieve.  Missed first tackles, turnovers, the list went on and on.  Very unsettling for a crowd that knows that is not how we normally play.  We scored two penalties during our purple patch but conceded a try which looked like it might be the start of something unpleasant.  A second try was disallowed for a forward pass which we could see in the Burrda.  What on earth do touch judges do for their money??!!

What was particularly worrying was that the scrum was struggling and there was the looming presence of James Johnston scowling on the bench.  We must surely be in serious trouble when he comes on (see later to realise how unfounded that fear was!) but the hair dryer obviously came out at halftime.  The second half began a little better but the light switch moment came in the forty seventh minute; a huge scrum prompted a change of props by Sarries, here we go.  Johnston rumbles on and before he could influence things, a lineout worked.  Mikey appeared to be trying his Tom Youngs impressions for most of the match and his throwing-in was decidedly flakey.  This time he got it right, twice, and a rolling maul produced a huge charge from George but it was obvious to all the intelligentsia in the Burrda that he was held up lying on his back. Why on earth does he need the TMO ????

Whoops !!  Try one for George.

By this time Waller Senior had replaced Waller Junior.  I watched the game on TV when I got home, and I just do not know what this man has to do to get beyond the Saxons.  Adam Jones, Matt Stevens, and now James Johnston. He absolutely marmalised him.  Westy must have been purring with delight. I played second row when Noah was a lad( very badly) and I can tell you Alex must be a joy to play behind. Not sure what else he can do. We are missing one of the top loose heads in the world for most of the season, and no one has noticed!!

Samu and Callum are now on. James Craig put in a mighty shift. We could really do with him staying fit, then Jim can cross another requirement off his summer shopping list. George storms over for another try, and there really is only one team in it.

Wait a minute! Charlie intercepts and you could almost hear the groan as he looks up and realises he has to run the length of the field. But wait! Is it a man? Is it a bird?  His blue shirt and  pants worn on the outside shining in the sun light, his cape trailing in the wind, George appears from nowhere and scythes him down.  It only needs for him to score a third try for him to be deified. Oh goodness there he goes and does it. You can buy the jug, now George.

Really only one team in it by the end. For a few moments we see Khan in his second role at fly half. He had a stormer at nine, so I suggest he stays there.

Pluses and minuses.

The crowd were as noisy as I can remember this season, even when we were struggling. Obviously getting in training for the roundabout boys.

Only conceded three penalties all game.

Wonderful display of proper No 8 play from Sam Dickinson. Big bash is all very well, but to see this position played properly is something to behold.

The team worked on their obvious difficulties, and overcame them big time.

Won (AGAIN) without really playing as well as we know we can.

Minuses

Was concerned to see Tom limping badly down the tunnel, and James gingerly rubbing his shoulder.

I have just read Corbs article in the M on S about concussion. It was obvious to most of the upper tier of the Burrda that Will Hooley was clearly concussed. His legs were like jelly. Why on earth was he left on for another  fifteen minutes ??

All in all a good day at the office. See you in Exeter.

 From the winning team: -

News: Saints reach LV= Final

Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 09/03/2014 19:22

ComeOnYouSaints.com
09/03/2014 19:22

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smurfomatic
09/03/2014 19:27

Great report, but a chink seems to be duplicated in the middle.

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Saint Tim
10/03/2014 12:37

Good stuff.

I agree re Waller senior but please not yet. We need him for a while longer.

Give it another season and Waller the younger will be gaining great game time and experience....



“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”

Benjamin Franklin

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Flinstone Saint
10/03/2014 17:59

Many thanks for your enthusiastic penmanship, Ogee. A good result well summed up.

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