But for all their hard work, especially that of new signing Jaco van der Westhuyzen, the Tigers didn’t look like scoring in a month of Sundays and a penalty from Shine Drahm saw us take a very slender lead into the break.
Whatever was put in the half time tea did wonders for the Saints who came out and dominated the second half playing long for long periods in Tigers territory and certainly making far better use of the bar of soap that the ball had become than our local rivals ever looked like doing.
Alas poor Tigers, their frustration just bred more mistakes and the Saints pack gradually wore them down and went over for the decisive AB score in the dying seconds. A job certainly well done and that elusive double secured to go with the title of the undisputed kings of Midlands rugby!
So for all the talk of a return to form Tigers were a pale shadow of their old selves.
Their returning World Cup stars just didn’t cut the mustard as Rob Hunter and Buzzard Connors, who had his best game this season, disrupted the much vaunted lineout of Johnson and Kay and young Darren Fox played Neil Back all but off the park.
Even the famous Tigers rolling maul was stopped in its tracks more often than not, just a liberal use of ‘use it or lose it’ time by referee Chris White preventing further turnover ball. But then Saints didn’t need Mr Whites assistance in securing the ball, sooner or later the visitors gave it back anyway.
The frustration of the day got to England skipper Johnson more than anyone and he lead his team by example To say his attitude was petulant was somewhat of an understatement. Questioning every decision and constantly whinging about everything but the price of fish i’m pretty sure it was only his lofty reputation that stopped him getting a breather in the bin after a series of personal infringements.
The slapping away of a hand of help from Andy Blowers when he lay prone on the ground was just about the final straw but then not to be undone Little Austin Healey capped it all by shouting an expletive at D Block. I’m sure any lip readers watching the game on Sky will have crossed him off their Christmas card list already.
In another sport Healey would be on a charge of incitement but us being level headed Saints folk it was just water (yes more water) off a ducks back although I’m not sure those with children in that area would agree.
In these days of sporting role models Messrs Johnson and Healey should take a leaf out of Mr Blowers book. AB is the very epitome of a gentleman both on and off the field even when we are on the end of a drubbng. A lesson others could well learn.
SMUDGER
The defeat of Leicester put further pressure on the Tigers hotseat and rumours are circulating that John Mitchell, recently relieved of the All Blacks job is to return to these shores to take the helm at Welford Road. It looks like poor old Deano might have to return to being a traffic cop but alas the coaching merry-go-round in the Land of the Long White Cloud could also have a serious effect on us.
It is believed new incumbent, the ever smiling Graham Henry, has offered Smudger (or even Smithy!) a flight home and a place on his new coaching panel. Now although Wayne has said he is committed to the Saints till season end that is just five months away. Surely the club cannot let him leave the Gardens without pulling out every stop to ensure he stays at Kiwi Corner.
Now I’m sure being the canny businessman he is that Uncle Keith will be doing just that but we can all play a part too in persuading Smudger that we want him to remain in his Gardens role to complete the task by emailing or writing to him at the club.
There’s no doubt since he joined us there has been an upturn in our fortunes and a return of general all round confidence and that pride in the jersey that we hear so much about. Okay there is no silverware of note yet but you sense that time will come, a feeling that has not been around the Gardens for quite a few seasons.
I just cannot see anyone stepping into his shoes without us losing some of that belief or indeed the quality of players he attracts.
You can understand his sentiment that he has All Black blood running through his veins, well lets hope we have added a mighty dose of Green n Gold to his bloodstream too and he stays to build on the sterling work he has already started.
They say success is a journey not a destination, lets hope Wayne Smith is still traveling that route on the Northampton bus at the start of next season.
Once a Saint, always a Saint, you know it makes sense Wayne.
LOOKING AHEAD
Well after all the festivities, and after Matt Dawson has unwrapped his whistle and Bertie Bassett refereeing kit on Christmas morning, (yes I couldn’t believe he wants the job either) its up to the far windswept north for the Saints on the 28th for the Zurich clash against Newcastle Falcons.
In the game at the Gardens earlier this season Newcastle played most of the rugby for the first hour with Saints hanging on their coat tails. Now whether this was by design or not, in the final quarter the Falcons tired the Saints upped a gear and ripped them apart even securing a very unlikely try scoring bonus point.
I somehow don’t think they are going to fall for that one twice and with the possible return of Jonny Wilko it could be a fascinating match up. So enjoy the day, or the weekend, up there but take plenty of warm clothes, the last time I visited the area the place was overrun with brass monkeys speaking in high pitched tones. Enjoy!
And finally as this is the last column of the year can I wish all my readers, yes all five of you, the very best of the season and here’s to a prosperous Saintly New Year!
Whatever was put in the half time tea did wonders for the Saints who came out and dominated the second half playing long for long periods in Tigers territory and certainly making far better use of the bar of soap that the ball had become than our local rivals ever looked like doing.
Alas poor Tigers, their frustration just bred more mistakes and the Saints pack gradually wore them down and went over for the decisive AB score in the dying seconds. A job certainly well done and that elusive double secured to go with the title of the undisputed kings of Midlands rugby!
So for all the talk of a return to form Tigers were a pale shadow of their old selves.
Their returning World Cup stars just didn’t cut the mustard as Rob Hunter and Buzzard Connors, who had his best game this season, disrupted the much vaunted lineout of Johnson and Kay and young Darren Fox played Neil Back all but off the park.
Even the famous Tigers rolling maul was stopped in its tracks more often than not, just a liberal use of ‘use it or lose it’ time by referee Chris White preventing further turnover ball. But then Saints didn’t need Mr Whites assistance in securing the ball, sooner or later the visitors gave it back anyway.
The frustration of the day got to England skipper Johnson more than anyone and he lead his team by example To say his attitude was petulant was somewhat of an understatement. Questioning every decision and constantly whinging about everything but the price of fish i’m pretty sure it was only his lofty reputation that stopped him getting a breather in the bin after a series of personal infringements.
The slapping away of a hand of help from Andy Blowers when he lay prone on the ground was just about the final straw but then not to be undone Little Austin Healey capped it all by shouting an expletive at D Block. I’m sure any lip readers watching the game on Sky will have crossed him off their Christmas card list already.
In another sport Healey would be on a charge of incitement but us being level headed Saints folk it was just water (yes more water) off a ducks back although I’m not sure those with children in that area would agree.
In these days of sporting role models Messrs Johnson and Healey should take a leaf out of Mr Blowers book. AB is the very epitome of a gentleman both on and off the field even when we are on the end of a drubbng. A lesson others could well learn.
SMUDGER
The defeat of Leicester put further pressure on the Tigers hotseat and rumours are circulating that John Mitchell, recently relieved of the All Blacks job is to return to these shores to take the helm at Welford Road. It looks like poor old Deano might have to return to being a traffic cop but alas the coaching merry-go-round in the Land of the Long White Cloud could also have a serious effect on us.
It is believed new incumbent, the ever smiling Graham Henry, has offered Smudger (or even Smithy!) a flight home and a place on his new coaching panel. Now although Wayne has said he is committed to the Saints till season end that is just five months away. Surely the club cannot let him leave the Gardens without pulling out every stop to ensure he stays at Kiwi Corner.
Now I’m sure being the canny businessman he is that Uncle Keith will be doing just that but we can all play a part too in persuading Smudger that we want him to remain in his Gardens role to complete the task by emailing or writing to him at the club.
There’s no doubt since he joined us there has been an upturn in our fortunes and a return of general all round confidence and that pride in the jersey that we hear so much about. Okay there is no silverware of note yet but you sense that time will come, a feeling that has not been around the Gardens for quite a few seasons.
I just cannot see anyone stepping into his shoes without us losing some of that belief or indeed the quality of players he attracts.
You can understand his sentiment that he has All Black blood running through his veins, well lets hope we have added a mighty dose of Green n Gold to his bloodstream too and he stays to build on the sterling work he has already started.
They say success is a journey not a destination, lets hope Wayne Smith is still traveling that route on the Northampton bus at the start of next season.
Once a Saint, always a Saint, you know it makes sense Wayne.
LOOKING AHEAD
Well after all the festivities, and after Matt Dawson has unwrapped his whistle and Bertie Bassett refereeing kit on Christmas morning, (yes I couldn’t believe he wants the job either) its up to the far windswept north for the Saints on the 28th for the Zurich clash against Newcastle Falcons.
In the game at the Gardens earlier this season Newcastle played most of the rugby for the first hour with Saints hanging on their coat tails. Now whether this was by design or not, in the final quarter the Falcons tired the Saints upped a gear and ripped them apart even securing a very unlikely try scoring bonus point.
I somehow don’t think they are going to fall for that one twice and with the possible return of Jonny Wilko it could be a fascinating match up. So enjoy the day, or the weekend, up there but take plenty of warm clothes, the last time I visited the area the place was overrun with brass monkeys speaking in high pitched tones. Enjoy!
And finally as this is the last column of the year can I wish all my readers, yes all five of you, the very best of the season and here’s to a prosperous Saintly New Year!
