Question: Pick your MoTM as Saints were Sunk at Edgeley Park
So the realists amongst the GB&G army were looking at our result against the Pests for the final automatic HC spot (unless an English team won the European Challenge Cup). The game was played in bright sunshine as befits an end of season game - but this was no exhibition match with nothing to play for. It was a full on game played at speed and with no little skill. First blood went to Sale via a try from the younger of the Lobbe brothers on his last game. Saints roared back and via a penalty and a Neil best converted try took the lead on 30ish minutes which we held onto until half time - despite Chris Ashton seeing yellow for a deliberate knock on from an intended quick line out throw in. Poor old Chris. He was having a good return up to this point but just couldn't hold back.
The second half largely belonged to the home team as they scored tries through Roberts, Schofield and finally Tait to give Sale the bonus point and with eight minutes to go Saints with nothing. Sean Lamont had other ideas however and a solo effort with two minutes to go brought Saints back to six points behind Sale and a valuable bonus point. Saints went in search of the win but in truth Sale held out quite easily and that was the end of the game. It was a match played in great spirit and there were great ovations from all present for both Lobbes as well as Christian Day and the retireing Barry Steward who had all played at some stage for both teams.
So it was with baited breath that we waited for the final result from Pests. Unfortunately they had overrun Gloucester at the lost causeway - scoring a bonus point and securing 7th place ahead of Saints. To be honest 8th and the best home record was not a bad return to the top division. A Heineken Cup place would be nice and there was now only one route available to secure that place and that was to win the European Challenge cup. Before we could count those chickens however was a semi final at the Gardens against Saracens.
Three names this week from the 49 voters with Joe Ansbro fresh from last weeks victory with 10% of the votes.
In second place with over 14% was Neil Best. Neil regularly scores highly in the poll and it will be interesting to see how many votes he garnered over the whole season.
The stand out winner however was Sean Lamont. Sean has not had a particularly happy time with injuries etc over the last season or so but 43% of the votes speaks for itself. This was Sean back to his powerful, dynamic best. Unfortunately it was almost the last opportunity to see Sean in the black green and gold. Sean - thanks for the memories - I hope you also have good ones of us.
This win for the backs puts the combined back division 1 game behind the forwards with one or two games to go.
Spot the deliberate typo!



Bookmark or share this story with:
Related Articles: