Home Comforts – A Pleasant Feeling
By GMC_LI
March 2 2010
East Stand,Y21, Row Y, seat 102
No matter how old and worldly-wise we may become, the warm feelings elicited by the return of something, or someone, we have held dear, nay loved, for a long time and miss when absent for an extended period, are cherished things when they return.
March 2 2010
East Stand,Y21, Row Y, seat 102
No matter how old and worldly-wise we may become, the warm feelings elicited by the return of something, or someone, we have held dear, nay loved, for a long time and miss when absent for an extended period, are cherished things when they return.
Today, Sunday, 28 February, 2010 was just such a day. That something and 23 someone’s arrived at our “house” in Reading for the first time this year, resplendently sporting green shirts, worn with bristling intensity and pride for the meaning attached to the emblem carried upon its left breast. You could sense it as they walked onto the field, carpeted to cater for the visiting Irish President, Mary MacAleese. Warmly welcomed by over 12,000 of the extended family, and accompanied by a group of neighbours from a nearby area resplendent in quartered shirts, we sat down to watch them play at either being the President’s Men, or pale imitations of once-great warriors. What can only be described as an idiosyncratic rendition of “Ireland’s Call” by Persins and his weary-sounding trumpet brought light relief to us all before a ball was kicked in anger.
This report is brought to you from my vantage point in East Stand, Y21, with inspiration from those fellow diehards sat just behind the drum corps. I was wondering how I might use the phrase “Shawking, reffurreee” so well-beloved of one of my near neighbours. But, pleasingly, today was not the day for it.
Before today’s match, the confidence of the Harlequins team would have been undoubtedly bolstered by their convincing performance against Northampton the previous weekend.
Combined with the local rivalry, a recent win the in L=V Cup at the Madejski Stadium, together with the unconvincing recent form of the London Irish team, the scene was set for a contest that would undoubtedly define each club’s run- in towards the season’s end.
For London Irish, the prospect of another failure to win was unconscionable – being dragged down into mid-table mediocrity was not an option for the ambitions of the club and all staff. For Harlequins, the prospect of moving up into the top 6 position required for Heineken Cup Rugby next season was ample motivation. Wayne Barnes was officiating, an appointment welcomed by Toby Booth as he felt that the breakdown area was a key area for success in the game. Mr. Barnes’ performance and game management throughout added to the spectacle we took in for the afternoon.
The announcement that Ryan Lamb was to start at scrum-half, with Chris Malone starting at fly-half, was some cause for concern amongst the East Stand faithful at this new half-back pairing’s ability to put London Irish on the front-foot, especially as there was no formal scrum-half back up on the bench. But, throughout, Lamb’s performance suggested that there may be a good case for his future development at 9 for the side. His efficient box-kicking skills, backed up with a reasonable and quick pass from the set-piece and contact area swiftly dismissed any early concern we may have had.
Harlequins kicked off, both our second-row jumpers missed the ball, but ‘Quins knock on for the first scrum of the day. An early charge by the Irish front-row caused the first free-kick penalty. ‘Quins opt for the scrum and a break from Chris Robshaw into central field leads to Irish turning over the ball at the contact area, a pattern that was to be repeated to great effect throughout the afternoon at key times.
More midfield jousting led to a 5th minute penalty attempt for Tom Homer to convert for a 3-0 lead following ‘Quins’ captain Will Skinner’s failure to release the ball in contact. My notes say “and some” – Homer’s ability to hit long and straight shows an uncanny ability to “lock and load” the ankle at contact with the ball allowing great distance and height to be achieved. In tandem with Chris Malone’s willingness to play a good deal flatter than we have recently seen, together with an eye for the half-break and stout defence when required, the half-back pairing settled in quickly and were able to maintain the attacking impetus provided by the impressive back-row play of Steffon Armitage, George Stowers and Chris Hala’ufia, ably assisted by prominent displays from the front 5. Dan Murphy and Faan Rautenbach both prominent in their bursts forward for “hard yards”.
11 minutes in saw Nick Kennedy stealing the first of several ‘Quins line outs, this being a particularly unproductive area for them throughout the match. The clearance kick by Mapusua led to some concerted pressure on the Irish try-line, with stout defence preventing a try for David Strettle, leading to an attacking scrum for ‘Quins in the next minutes. Good stuff – disciplined blitz defence not allowing any real momentum to be gained by ‘Quins. A testament to the good work Dave Ellis has put in place as defence coach this season. Almost France-like in its intensity today I noted.
My next notes say “18 minutes – penalty try Quins”. It was clear that the ‘Quins scrum had the better of a drive to the line, but I could see no clear reason why Mr. Barnes decided that it merited a penalty-try. My neighbour, Apprentice Leperehaun, reckoned that a warning had been delivered at the first setting of the scrum, but I must have had my head down making notes at the time. Successfully converted by Nick Evans, score moved on to 3-7.
After 22 minutes, Tom Guest, ‘Quins back row, was penalised for failing to release when tackled following a lateral run across his 22. Homer had the relatively simple task of converting to bring it back to 6-7.
Irish willingness to kick-chase with enthusiasm and desire to boss the breakdown was instrumental in bringing their next score, a try following a cutting break from Tom Homer, ably supported by Hala-ufia’s burst through the ‘Quins first line of tacklers just over halfway with a wonderful support line from Armitage inside the 22 won the chase for the line with 2 ‘Quins tacklers hanging off him. The crowd rose to a man, woman child to signal their approval, with flags waved gloriously. The atmosphere we have been used to during the good times seemed to be waking within the crowd, surprisingly subdued up to then. Homer converts to bring the score to 13-7, a lead we were not to lose again throughout.
Irish were swiftly gaining the ascendancy and deservedly so. ‘Quins offered little in the way of attacking intent and skill to trouble the Irish line again that half apart from some promising efforts by their 13, George Lowe, and our back-row was firmly in the ascendancy. More midfield “bish-bash-bosh” so prevalent in matches these days led to Guest being replaced for ‘Quins after 20 minutes, Homer converting another penalty for a 16-7 lead after 34 minutes and the sight of several ‘Quins players requiring treatment, noticeably Turner-Hall, Brown and Strettle. Strettle was replaced by ex-Irish back Mordt after 36 minutes and the half ended with Irish maintaining their lead 16-7.
First-half summary – intensity from Irish prevalent, back-row in the ascendancy, Homer has the “cross-hairs” on his boots today, ‘Quins struggling to set up any effective attacking play. New half-back pairing going better than expected. Arm-wrestle being won by Irish. Have I just witnessed a low-budget remake of “Brassed Off” from Persins and Eek’s call and response efforts during a lull in play ?
During half-time I met a couple who were at their first game, had been meaning to come along from their home in London for some time and were impressed with the atmosphere, ease of transport from the rail station and the stadium complex. “It’s totally different to the soccer. I’m so glad we came.” New converts and they’ll be back again and again to increase the fan base. That’s so pleasing to hear.
So, momentarily distracted by a sentimental marriage proposal on the pitch at half-time (I bet they won’t be spending their honeymoon in Dundee), we engaged for the second-half. Irish began the second-half playing to the style that put fear into opponents earlier in the season and last, and only fleetingly seen in the Heineken Cup tie against Brive. Confidence coursing through them, Irish continued to take the game to ‘Quins and rebuffed any attempts at progress they made.
My first note is “10 minutes, ‘Quins prop drops the ball with no players close by following a line-out, scrum Irish”. “Faan puffing, but not surprising with the intensity he’s playing at today”. From the scrum, Will Skinner slips his binding, in front of Mr. Barnes, a sure-fire penalty. Tom Homer despatches another 3 point penalty kick to make it 22-7, with no sign that ‘Quins could come back into contention. Our danders were up now, with our forward drives and tackling resembling juggernauts hitting a small family car. One instance of turnover ball from contact on the Irish 22 and kicked to touch by Ryan Lamb I noted as being a pivotal point in the game as ‘Quins were starting to develop attacking intent.
After 15 minutes, I saw the wonderful sight of “Big Bob Casey” intercepting a speculative pass from Nick Evans and running into open territory over the halfway line, crowd rising as one in volume and anticipation and looking for support to his right. For such a big man, who I’m sure goes into the anaerobic stage after anything more than 6 strides, fighting off what surely must have been intense lactic acid burn pulsing through his veins as he took strides 7 to 10, “BBC” brought off a wonderful pass taken on the full by Nick Kennedy giving a wonderful impression of an Impala running away from a pursuing hyena in the form of ‘Quins scrum-half Dickson for a full 40m metres to score decisively. Elation and wonderment at what we had just witnessed from all around us. Tom Homer executes the conversion and we are now leading 29-7 with about 20 minutes to play.
Almost inevitably, a raft of substitutions followed, for both sides around the hour mark. Both sets of front-rows were swapped out, Hala-ufia was away for a deseved rest and replaced by the emerging talent Jamie Gibson. Pretty soon afterwards we saw a change in emphasis from ‘Quins, playing at pace and freely with ball in hand making me wonder why they had only just worked out that there may have been greater reward if tried sooner. Perhaps, it was more a case of not being allowed to by Irish’s intensity and dominance of the contact areas. Irish continued to press the “defend at will” button to great effect, something that would have pleased Dave Ellis greatly. On that performance, even Bastareaud wouldn’t have caved the door in.
Irish’s composure at set-piece and defensively were beginning to creak and it seemed as if ‘Quins were, belatedly, coming back into the match. 10 minutes left, 22 points down to a dominant opposition had me wondering if we might just have that score closed down to Wales-Scotland proportions. My thoughts weren’t helped by a Nick Evans penalty kick that went dead from hand in a “Byrnesque” fashion we saw against France on the Friday evening.
Irish emptied the replacements bench, with Mike Catt on to steady the ship in midfield and bring leadership to the team following the departure of “BBC”. ‘Quins, to their credit, continued to press hard, and their impressive centre/wing, George Lowe scored after 75 minutes with an impressive turn of pace and shimmy of the hips to deceive George Stowers. Evans struck the conversion impressively, 29-14 to Irish bringing an end to the scoring.
Shortly afterwards, the final whistle, rousing cheers, good words spread around the crowd, and a welcome back to that old friend, victory and a battle won with aplomb. Steffon Armitage was announced as Man of the Match, 12,373 came through the gate, loud cheers erupted as the stadium tannoy system announced a defeat for Wasps at Leeds.
Today, I saw an intensity that brought confidence to the team and the crowd as the match progressed. In truth, after the first 20 minutes or so, I thought ‘Quins were causing us problems, especially at scrum time. However, we overcame all that, and should be gladdened by it. Many may say ‘Quins played poorly, and, in truth, at times, they didn’t perform as well as they had against Northampton the previous week. But, the truth is, it’s how you impose your will on the game that counts. And, today, nobody other than London Irish was going to be imposing the will.
On to Welford Road next week, standing up against a wounded Tiger. May our intensity not wane and the spark in our collective eyes shine bright once again. Thanks for indulging me on my first match report for the “Craic”. I’ve enjoyed it.
SCORERS: London Irish: Tries: S Armitage (27), Kennedy (55) ; Conversions: Homer (28, 56); Penalty Goals: Homer (5, 22, 38, 51). Newcastle: Tries: Penalty Try (20), Lowe (75); Conversions: Evans (21, 76).
SCORING SEQUENCE: (London Irish first): 3-0, 3-7, 6-7, 13-7, 16-7, 19-7. Half-time. 22-7, 29-7, 29-14.
LONDON IRISH: 15 Tom Homer; 14 Topsy Ojo (John Rudd 74); 13 Elvis Seveali’i (Jamie Lennard 74) ; 12 Seilala Mapusua (Mike Catt 68); 11 Peter Hewat; 10 Chris Malone; 9 Ryan Lamb; 1 Dan Murphy (Max Lahiff 74); 2 David Paice (James Buckland 56), 3 Faan Rautenbach (James Tideswell 63), 4 Nick Kennedy; 5 Bob Casey (capt) (Kieran Roche 68); 6 George Stowers; 7 Steffon Armitage; 8 Chris Hala’ufia (James Gibson 63).
HARLEQUINS: 15 Mike Brown, 14 David Strettle (Nils Mordt 39), 13 George Lowe, 12 Jordan Turner-Hall (Rory Clegg 61), 11 Sam Smith, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Karl Dickson (Steve So’oaila 65), 1 Ceri Jones (Aston Croall 65), 2 Matt Cairns (Tani Fuga 12), 3 John Andress (James Johnston 63), 4 James Percival, 5 Lewis Stevenson (Thomas Valleyos Cinalli 63), 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 Will Skinner, 8 Tom Guest (Chris York).
Attendace: 12,373
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StumbleuponHome Comforts – A Pleasant Feeling
Posted by: The Craic www.londonirish.org (IP Logged)
Date: 02/03/2010 08:23
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Re: Home Comforts – A Pleasant Feeling
Posted by: mulledwinemarie (IP Logged)
Date: 02/03/2010 11:23
A great report - so vital for us exiles - who have no pictures other than those painted by our "fantastic" reporters - well done - look forward to more of the same........and when read in tandem with the Quins report - a double enjoyment.......
if anyone hasn't read the Quins report and needs a laugh - go over and read it now.............
MARIE
MWM
GLORY GLORY London Irish - and loving it -
if anyone hasn't read the Quins report and needs a laugh - go over and read it now.............
MARIE
MWM
GLORY GLORY London Irish - and loving it -
Re: Home Comforts – A Pleasant Feeling
Posted by: Props are not stupid (IP Logged)
Date: 02/03/2010 11:41
Great report, thanks very much.
Re: Home Comforts – A Pleasant Feeling
Posted by: mackemII (IP Logged)
Date: 02/03/2010 13:25
It's taken me this long to discover that I sit one row and 3 seats to the right of GMC_LI and AL. Great report Gary, you're wasted with Paradigm!
Re: Home Comforts – A Pleasant Feeling
Posted by: pach (IP Logged)
Date: 02/03/2010 13:33
Excellent report - I shall print it out for the keepsake box, as I belated brought my 3 yr old daughter to her first London Irish game at the weekend and want to make sure there are plenty of things to remember the day in the years to come!
Thanks to all the people we met through the day who proved why LI is such a great team to follow as well - I brought a group of 8 to the game, most of whom were newcomers to LI, and it was a great day. From the helpful stewards dealing with a buggy, to the lovely people at the drums who handed over drums sticks without a second thought when my two kids came to just have a look at the drums, through to everyone sitting around us who put up with a 2yr old, 3rd old, 5yr old and 6yr old having a competition to see who could screech "Come On Irish" the loudest.
I'm sure at times we take it for granted, but when you bring people along for the first time, you really appreciated what a special environment it is.
Thanks to all the people we met through the day who proved why LI is such a great team to follow as well - I brought a group of 8 to the game, most of whom were newcomers to LI, and it was a great day. From the helpful stewards dealing with a buggy, to the lovely people at the drums who handed over drums sticks without a second thought when my two kids came to just have a look at the drums, through to everyone sitting around us who put up with a 2yr old, 3rd old, 5yr old and 6yr old having a competition to see who could screech "Come On Irish" the loudest.
I'm sure at times we take it for granted, but when you bring people along for the first time, you really appreciated what a special environment it is.
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