September 29 2004

Northampton Saints - Thoughts from the Chron
By Chris Gleadell
September 29 2004

If Charles Dickens were to cover the Saints in the Chron instead of Terry Morris he could well have described September as being ‘it was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. Indeed the month was a true tale of two teams.

We started the month well, defending like demons and hitting Bath on the break before popping down to the Stoop to destroy Harlequins in a devastating display of running rugby. However in the last two weeks we’ve gone of the rails slightly.

First Gloucester came to the Gardens and did a job on us while on Saturday Tigers simply blew us away in a depressing second half leaving us in mid table with two wins and two losses in the Zurich Premiership so far. My hope that the Glos game was just a blip on the road the glory has quickly evaporated when in all truth for the last 40 minutes at Welford Road we were not at the races.

Although we are told not to panic and that it’s a long way to go till season end there has to be some concern that our ‘fortress’ home record has already gone and the very manner of the loss on Saturday.

Our much vaunted new look pack, whilst winning lineout ball this week, came up well short and handling errors in both forwards and backs coughed up what possession we could garner straight back to the opposition. All in all a very disappointing day and nothing I saw on Saturday gives me much hope for our season. C’mon lads please prove me wrong.

INSECT REPELLENT FOR YOUR GARDENS

Two losses in a row makes Saturdays game against English and European champions Wasps a huge one for the Saints. People are already calling it a season defining game and by 5:00 on Saturday with virtually a quarter of the ZP gone talk of marathons not sprints might start to fall on deaf ears. We simply have to get something out of this game.

Now Wasps have not exactly started the season in style either, winning and losing two (albeit those two wins are on the trot) so are not yet into their powerhouse mode that saw them leave every other club in their wake last year. If there’s a good time to play them, on their current form anyway, its now.

History is also on our side in this contest. Saints have run out winners in the last three clashes at the Garden a couple of them being very bruising encounters and I do not expect any less on Saturday. Wasps could welcome back both Trevor Leota and Lawrence Dallaglio but the most eagerly awaited player will of course be the return of ex-Saint Matt Dawson.

Whilst its not exactly the return of a prodigal son I am sure the last thing the lads will be wanting to do is to lay on a fatted calf for his return. Whatever the reasons for Matt’s departure, and I’ve heard enough conspiracy theories to fill a whole new series of the X-Files, it’s going to be interesting to see how he deals with not only the emotions of the day but, hopefully more, how he deals with the man that took his shirt, Sharky Robinson.

While all the talk will be of the perceived clash between Corne Krige and Daws I think the number nine head to head will prove to the real battle royal. There’s no doubting that although it would have been a luxury having both Matt and Sharky in our squad, Sharky was the first choice scrumhalf come season end. He was the guy in the driving seat and whilst it would have been good to see them both fight it out for the Gold, Black n Green jersey Saturday could be a winner takes all competition between the guys. It could also hold the key to the game. I’m backing the Kiwi.

ALL QUIET ON THE CORNE FRONT

As I mentioned earlier all eyes on Saturday will be on the perceived Dawson v Krige clash with no doubt some aspects of the media stirring the pot beforehand raking over old coals and autobiographies (which in the long run might burn just as good) trying to build it up into something that hopefully will not materalise.

I have to say I’ve been very impressed with Corne who has certainly done his talking on the pitch rather than off it since he joined the Saints. Week in week out, even in defeat you cannot fault the guys effort and application and he has all but won over just about everyone not only at the Gardens but elsewhere as well.

While I think the furore from Saints ‘supporters’ before his arrival was limited to only a handful of people making a lot of noise (does anyone actually know of a single person that sent their season ticket back?) I too, like many, thought he would be getting a lot of stick from opposition supporters. I have to say I’ve been surprised by the reception he’s got so far especially considering we have already played both Gloucester and Leicester.

On Saturday as the teams were read out I heard just a single half hearted boo for Corne. Of course taking the field for Tigers were Johnson, Healey and Back, all of whom have served lengthy bans for misdemeanours in the past so the Leicester crowd are used to their own pantomime villains but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised there was no more than a mere hint of displeasure. Now there will always be an odd, usually alcohol fuelled, idiot about, we even had one our own shouting at a kick on Saturday but I think our new skipper has rode out the worst he can expect and if he keeps his head down (sorry no pun intended) and carries on with the job in hand he will keep on winning people over week in week out.

DON’T LOSE OUT ON TOULOSE

I am sure the usual thousand or so intrepid souls will be making the annual pilgrimage to France in mid December for Saints Heineken Cup game against Toulouse. A word of warning though, don’t leave it late getting rooms booked. Some of the popular hotels have already sold out and whilst there’s still an abundance to choose from central hotels, yes those near the Frog and Rosbif and the Gandhi curry house, are already charging premium rates in some cases. The club is running an organised trip to the game but if like the majority you are a do it yourselfer book soon to avoid disappointment or a very large dent in your pre-Xmas wallet.

September 23 2004

Northampton Saints: Thoughts from the Chron
By Chris Gleadell
September 23 2004

Well the early season Saints runaway bandwagon took a dent on Saturday. Just when we had convinced ourselves that maybe this was going to be our season Gloucester came looming over the horizon catching us cold to take the thoroughly deserved victory and knock us off top spot in the ZP.

They did the proverbial ‘job’ on us. Studying for hours on how the new Saints ticked Messrs. Melville and Ryan came up with a gameplan that kept us on the backfoot virtually the whole afternoon. No sooner had we made inroads into their territory than the ball popped up to Duncan McRae who pinned us back with some very smart tactical kicking putting us straight back deep into our own half.

Then when we finally fought back to reduce the deficit to one point we suffered the sucker punch of yet another kick from McRae being picked up by Marcel Garvey who slid over the line for the killer try.

Overall though I’m not too despondent about the defeat. Gloucester may have started with (bar Olivier Azam) an inexperienced front row but outside of this they fielded quality in just about every other position and if we needed a reality check now was probably the best time to get it. Yes our lineout was exposed as wanting and the new press defence obviously needs tightening up to stop another player doing a McRae on us but these are things that can still be worked on in their infancy.

Of course its never nice to lose at home. But with new players still learning the ropes a short sharp shock that makes us think twice and still leaves us two points off the summit is preferable to a well bedded and drilled team that losing to the likes of London Irish at home. Time will tell if that early reminder of our non-invincibility pays dividends. I’ve a feeling it just might.

LOOKING AHEAD

On Saturday we travel up to Welford Road for the local derby against the Tigers. We may joke to Leicester supporting friends (yes I’ll admit to that crime) that the games not that important to us anymore now we have won there two seasons in succession. We kid them that to us now its just another ZP game but of course in reality its still one of the most eager awaited clashes of any season.

The clash holds some great memories. The last minute drop goal by Paul Grayson that secured the 15-15 draw in 1998, another monster one from Nick Beal last season that went over the bar a full ten minutes after it left Nicks boot (or so the legend increasingly goes). The memory that caps the lot though was young Mr Pountney’s steal of a try in 2002 when we were the first side to win there in five years. The wool was pulled over the Tigers lineout jumpers eyes and Budge just ambled to the front of the line to stroll over unopposed for the try.

With Tigers having not beaten us now since 2002 and the fact we nilled them here at the Gardens the last time the two sides met, the Tigers will be chomping at the bit for revenge. Going on Saturdays performance it’s a tall order to get anything out of the game but if you look over that as a blip and go on the Quins game form there’s no reason why the lads cannot put in some heavy work on the paddock this week, iron out a few problems and travel up in hope of competing on equal terms.
If they do they’ve every chance of coming away with something from the game.

The game is already a sellout. If you are travelling to Welford Road by rail be aware that the service to Leicester from Coventry is currently out of action and buses have replaced trains from Nuneaton onwards. A better option is to pop over to Wellingborough or Bedford and get a train direct.

The Saints Supporters Club will also be running coaches. They will be leaving late morning from Franklin’s Gardens VIP car park. The prices are: Adults: £9 Children/Students/OAPs: £5. To book places call Jean Collingwood on 01604 583283, after 6pm, with your name, telephone number and the number of seats required.

LEAVING EARLY

There has been some talk post match on both the official and unofficial website’s about the ‘mass exodus’ of supporter’s minutes before the final whistle. Of course its up to the individual when they leave but on two counts it just doesn’t seem right to me.
Firstly those leaving en masse like this, block the view of the diehards who are staying till the bitter end of the game especially those at the lower levels including where our disabled fans sit.
Secondly, what message does that send out to the team, especially when on Saturday they were still in the hunt for the spoils while those of little faith sloped off.

One day I’m hoping that after these fair weather supporters have exited the Saints run in three late tries to remind them it aint over till the fat lady sings. However a better suggestion came from a chap online who said it might be an idea for Geoff Allen to remind these people, as he does with silence at kicks, that not only are they doing the team a diservice but they are also ruining the enjoyment of their fellow fans. It might fall on deaf ears but then again it might make a few think twice.

SUPPORT

On the subject of support it wasn’t just the team that underperformed on Saturday, we were very low key in the stands too. Yes its hard to raise yourself when things are not going right on the pitch but I guess the definition of being a supporter is to support and we didn’t pay our part of the bargain either.

After last season finished I was lucky enough to travel down to Montpellier for the French championship semi final between Toulouse and Perpignan. Those that went to Saints Heineken Cup game two seasons ago in Toulouse will know how well organised, numerous and colourful the Stade fans were but though numerous they were nothing compared to the 30,000 Catalans that turned up for the game from Perpignan, They were simply overwhelming.

Their support from start to finish was relentless and unwavering even when their team was behind. Partisan in the extreme they surprised me even more in victory when five minutes after the final whistle they started a chant of ‘Toulousain, Toulousain’ which was soon taken up by all to honour the team they had just defeated. Its the most sporting thing I’ve ever seen or heard and although I’m not suggesting we go to Welford Road cheering ‘Tiger, Tigers’ there’s a lot we can learn from those Catalan fans.
We’ve two massive games coming up and it’s a chance yet again to put down the marker both on and off the pitch so sing yourself hoarse whatever’s happening on the pitch and for everyone’s sake please don’t clear off early!

September 16 2004

Northampton Saints - Thoughts from the Chron
By Chris Gleadell
September 16 2004

So two weeks into the new season and the Gold Black and Green bandwagon keeps trundling along at full tilt with maximum points gained to keep the Saints sitting pretty at the top of the table.

The six tries at Quins kept that 100% record intact and although its early days, and as Alan Solomons stated the Zurich Premiership is a marathon not a sprint, there is an air of expectation and a heightening of the feelgood factor for Saints fans.

Despite an early setback of a Quins try on Saturday the lads soon upped the pace and from minute ten onwards it was one way traffiic and with four rapid scores the game was all but over by halftime. The front row steadied the ship, the second row built the platform while the back row was rampant all over the park. And the backs didn’t have a too bad day either! Every man played his part and then some.

Four players in my opinion come in for a special mention. Damien Browne looks like a real find. The young Irishman looks all the ‘back four’ player that Tim Rodber always threatened to be. He was dominant in the lineout whatever number he jumped at and in the lose he was a constant thorn in Quins side. Young Johnny Howard was thrown in at the deep end when Sharky Robinson went off early in the game but played a solid and enterprising game and certainly looks like he can hold his own at this level.

The other two players are Grant Seeley and Mark Tucker. Wayne Smith rejuvenated several Saints players careers during his stint in the Gardens hot seat, most notably Paul Grayson’s. From what I have seen so far this season Alan Solomons and his coaching team are doing the same for Mark and Grant. I must admit before the season started I had misgivings about our cover at centre should we lose Marc Stcherbina at anytime. However Mark has stepped up to the plate and looks every inch the long term solution.

Grant had probably one his best game in a Saints shirt on Saturday and as a natural No.8 complements the back row of Andy Blowers and Corne Krige. A confidence building run in the team could see him becoming the surprise package of the season and while England look to replace Dallaglio its not outside the realms of possibility that Grant’s in with a shout should he sustain this form.

LOOKING AHEAD

I’m sure the outcome of the game the last time Saints and Gloucester met at the Gardens will live long in people’s memories. Earlier in the week, obviously forgetting about the wonders of the internet, Glos player Andy Hazell told their local paper that the Gloucester team were coming to up to Northampton to ‘push the Saints all over the park’. Of course several Saints supporters saw the online version and alerted the club and the way the lads played I’m sure they all had a copy of the interview tucked in the pocket of their shorts.

They came out all guns blazing, dominating the game with a Chris Budgen pushover try almost taking the roof off the stands. This obviously riled Gloucester and after a few off the ball incidents, including Mr Hazell taking out Shane Drahm very late, a re-enactment of the Battle of Midway broke out just before half time. It’s still a mystery to me today why Mark Robinson was singled out for punishment with a red card but that in itself made the lads raise their game further and in a game that was the definitive game of two halves the lads fought a reargurad action that kept the visitors at bay till the 80 minutes was up.

Lets hope it’s a slightly easier ride on Saturday but Gloucester are one of those sides that either blow hot or cold whatever the season. They have two wins under their belt already but have yet to get in their stride so I’m expecting the lads to come away with the win but the bonus this time round may be a tall order. Unless of course Mr Hazell takes part in any interviews this week.

SAINTS WITH HEART III

A date for your diaries. The third annual Saints with Heart Walk takes place on the 16th October before the game against Sale.

A band of intrepid walkers will be setting off at first light along river and canal from Milton Keynes heading to the Gardens meeting up with a second group of walkers along the way at Stoke Bruerne. Having raised nearly £10,000 last time round for the British Heart Foundation we are aiming to beat that target this year and have called on supporters from all the other clubs to give the fund a boost.

We are going to have a shirt from every ZP club plus Bristol and Bedford sponsored to take part in the walk alongside the fifty or so people walking in Saints colours. Already Newcastle, Bath and London Irish have donated signed shirts to be used on the walk then auctioned while from Tigers Martin Johnson is supplying a signed framed shirt which he will personally present to the winner of a draw at a later date. We are also in negotiations with all other clubs to come up with similar offers, watch this space.

Maggie Barwell has generously offered to become patron of the walk this year and will again be taking part and theres a chance husband Keith may take part too, so if you wish to sponsor someone or want further details please contact me via the email address at the top of the page.

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

I have heard some of some daft ideas on motivating teams over the years but Steve Diamond’s idea of giving his side the edge at Saracens really caps the lot.

Before Sundays game against Worcester, on Diamonds instructions, the master of ceremonies asked all Sarries fans to greet the opposition onto the pitch with total silence. How unsporting is that? Now call me old fashioned but isn’t it the tradition to clap the opposition onto the pitch whoever they may be and by not doing so isn’t that a mark of disrespect?

To their credit the vast majority of Sarries fans are up in arms about this and rightly so because at the end of day it will reflect on them when they visit other ZP grounds.

I’m sure however I’m not the only one who thinks this may have exactly the opposite effect. Doesn’t disrespect from the opposition spur teams on that little bit more? Perhaps Steve Diamond should discuss the matter with a certain Andrew Hazell from Gloucester.

September 8 2004

Northampton Saints - Thoughts from the Chron
By Chris Gleadell
September 8 2004

Well that’s not a bad way to kick off a new season is it?. As supporters boiled on the terraces and in the stands the Saints blazed a trail on the pitch running in four tries including one that will go down Gardens folklore.

Despite certain people whinging from the West Country that they had lost the game rather than us winning it, a bonus point win against the team that topped the table last season is an ideal way to kick off Alan Solomons tenure at the Saints.

Yes our fellow supporters from Bath can moan all they want about missed opportunities and Saints living off their scraps but the last time I looked the way the object of the game is to get the ball over the whitewash.

For all their lions share of possession we won this game fair and square on defence rather than attack. They may have had ball in hand for long periods but they just couldn't unlock us till it was all but over and done.

They have a saying at Wasps that goes something like ‘Attack sells tickets, defence wins titles’.If we can defend like that all season we will not be far off the mark both domestically and in Europe.

The four tries were the icing on the cake, built on the foundation of that defence and what crackers they were.
A try apiece for the Rhino and the Coyote on the break before half time set out our stall before Mark Tucker added a third early in the second half but the best was left till last.

I always wince a bit when we run the ball out from under our posts, remembering Harvey flying headlong into one of the uprights a few years back to gift Sale an easy try, but this time the decision and precision were top drawer with the quartet of Stcherbina, Tucker, Rudd and Reihana storming upfield in an interchange of passing and elusive running that put Bruce in under the posts.

It was quite simply the best try I’ve ever seen at the Gardens and no doubt over the years, just like Nick Beals ever lengthening drop goal at Tigers last season, this one will be talked and reminisced about for years to come.

As Geoff Allen said “If this is the new look Saints, I like it!”
I’ll second that.

LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday sees the Gold, Black and Green army take to the road for the first time this season with the trip to south west London to play Harlequins. We certainly owe them one for the trip down there last season when we went with high hopes but were ripped apart as sadly the after effects of that bruising Gloucester encounter left a physically and mentally deflated Saints side floundering. I’m tipping the boys to up their game this time though and I expect us to edge it by an odd score with the battle of the backrows proving crucial.
I’ve no doubt Mr Vos and Mr Krige will be saving their exchange of pleasantries till after the game, it should be a good one.

With so few away games now played at 3:00pm on a Saturday afternoon, and Quins having the second best bar in the league, it’s a chance for a good social day out with like minded people and if the weather holds a lunchtime or evening spent by the Thames chewing the cud.

After the recent railworks all should be fine traveling down to Twickenham and remember traveling via Willesden and Richmond does make for a cheaper option.
The Saints Supporters Club will be running coaches to Quins.They will be leaving Franklin’s Gardens (from the VIP car park) at 11am. The prices are: Adults: £11, Children/Students/OAPs: £7. To book places call Jean Collingwood on 01604 583283, after 6pm, with your name, telephone number and the number of seats.

FAREWELL SIR CLIVE

I’m sure like most people I was a bit dumbfounded by the Woodward affair last week. Now I have the utmost respect for what Sir Clive did for England, we would never have got within a street of winning the World Cup without him but last week he increasingly looked like a chap rapidly losing the plot.

One minute the ZP clubs were the very devil themselves, the next the best thing since sliced bread. He contradicted himself so much at every turn that he reminded me of the character in televisions Fast Show who puts himself in such mental turmoil trying to agree with each side of every argument that in the end he forgets what his name is and where he is.

The press conference on Friday was a veritable comedy of errors too, and may well have been written by the Fast Show cast as well. While Clive lamented that everyone had it in for him the body language of RFU representative Graeme Cattermole spoke volumes as it looked like at any second he was going to bound out of his seat and throttle the hapless Sir Clive mid whinge.

So thank you Mr Woodward for all you’ve done but when it came down to wanting your cake and eating it with us the supporters (and of course the owners) of the clubs you want to plunder every other week picking up the tab its thank you but there’s the door.

At the end of the day you have to consider what the club is there for. For us? Its success to be enjoyed by each and every one of us, player, supporter owner alike or just there to serve the ‘greater good’ of Team England?

Of course in an ideal world there should be a balance and we should be nurturing English talent but Sir Clive wanted to forever further tip the scales of that balance that little bit further forcing clubs like the Saints to actively NOT sign current internationals because they spend half their life away from the Gardens.

Lets hope Andy Robinson, or whoever takes the England job long term builds on the good work already put in place before Sir Clive went off at more demanding tangents and once again there is a climate where its an attractive prospect to have an odd English international complimenting your side. We won a World Cup with that balance and surely can do again but if that balance goes and it means watching a team with players from all over the globe making a better Saints side then give me ‘East Midlands Tribe’ anyday.