Saturday 6 October 2018
by J Scott
The wife’s first ever premier rugby match and home to the unstoppable beast that is Saracens didn’t fill me with much expectation of a win but I hoped that we would see yet more improvement and to get something from the game. The visitors were arriving with a 5 game winning streak with a try Bonus is point in each.
Due to the game being televised live in the USA kick was 1930, which felt a little strange for a Saturday game. We set off from Winchester on what should be quite a simple train journey but alas those lovely RMT unionist types were having a day off (strike) so a 3hr epic started and we got to Twickenham about 1840 and started our walk to the ground only to find the nice new walkway was closed. Surely things could only get better.
In to the ground and straight to get food and drink, I had promised my good lady a feast and treated her to pie, chips and gravy washed down with a glass of white wine. We get to our seats in the south stand about 5 minutes into the game having missed both Brown and Care getting there well-earned applause for 300 and 250 caps.
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Both teams start brightly with no love lost between two proud London clubs. The teams struggling to break the dead lock, tackle after tackle saw Sarries players being repelled at every attack. This was being witnessed by what I have to say was the noisiest I’ve ever heard The Stoop crowd.
Penalties were traded by the two 10s in a low scoring opening quarter. Danny Care read his opposite numbers pass perfectly, intercepting and racing away for a try on his 250th cap. The half closed with Quins 13 - 9 up and unfortunately already having brought Alofa Alofa on due to Paul Lasike taking a serious knock to the head, making a similar tackle that kept Sialli out for so long and nearly ended his career. So fingers crossed for a speedy recovery but also highlighting the importance of correct tackle technique.
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The second half started as the first ended heroic defence by Quins who were well up for the game. Again a couple of penalties were traded by the 10s until the strangest try you’ll ever see was scored by our very own superman Joe Marchant who leapt to gather a missed penalty kick and touch down for a 5 pointer. Smith added the extras and Quins were 20 - 12 up and full of confidence.
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The teams continued their attritional battle with solid hits being put in by both teams, however in the final 10 minutes Sarries scored out wide with big Billy Vunipola going over for a well worked score. Farrell slotted a few more penalties asking the final score 20 - 25 to Saracens. Both teams seemed glad of the final whistle and there must have been some sore bodies in the changing room.
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It didn’t feel like a loss with the game being played at such intensity for the full 80 minutes, and that Sarries are in such rich form in contrast to our resurgence under new leadership. The gains continue with a functioning line out, a solid scrum and defence that kept Saracens to 1 try. I’m sure our wins will come after all there’s plenty of the season left.
After a stop off in the Kings bar to listen to the live band and a few more beers it was time to make the return journey, thankfully it was a bit easier but I’m sure the alcohol helped. Not sure the missus really knew what was going on but she did cheer in the right places and joined in the support from the loudest stand (I am biased).
We now see a break in the Gallagher premiership as we host Agen next, hopefully some of the regular starters will get a well-earned rest and allow some rotation. Although a solid start in Europe will be well received.
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