News: Saints finish with 81 0 result v Lanson
By Saint_Aitch April 27 2008
We all approached Franklins Gardens today with a forecast that promised to shine on all fronts. The champions elect needn’t actually bother turn up today and would still be awarded the National One trophy. CAB’s though had it all to do if they were to play in National One next season.
We all approached Franklins Gardens today with a forecast that promised to shine on all fronts. The champions elect needn’t actually bother turn up today and would still be awarded the National One trophy. CAB’s though had it all to do if they were to play in National One next season.
Northampton Saints v Launceston.
National Division 1. Round 30, 26th April 2008
Result: Saints 81, Launceston 0
Certainly for the first time since the away game to Cornish Pirates at the start of the season there had not been so many supporters gathered in such sunshine and warmth. And so, as we near the turnstiles with our little white books in hand for the last eighty minutes of this season, expectations run high for a day of celebration, a day of singing "Oh Wendy's" and yet we all know the achievements are but a mere slither of what the fans and the club really want to achieve. Still, as has been said so many times this season, we can only play what is in front of us, we deserved to be in this league and now we are about to leave it behind. This time next year it will be a faint memory.
The team sheet gave a clear message from Jim and Dorian; Saints were fielding possibly their strongest team of the season for this game and the loyal supporters would love the fact that Sharky, Wee Tam, Toops, Foxy and Lordy were all starting and, oh boy did they all make an impact on this game.
The Game
CAB's got the game started kicking towards the South stand and managed to get early possession only to squander it away and were penalised for holding on in the ruck in centre field. Carlos kicked to get us into CAB's territory for the first time. A well taken line out saw the Saints pass out to ‘Flash' but this only ended in a line out to CAB's. Possession was soon back with Saints though and a sudden break from young Chris again, only led to sir calling him back when he was just 10 metres, or so out from the line for a knock on. Scrum down in CAB's 22 - CAB's put in.
But the scrum broke down and CAB's get a free kick. CAB's Ben Turner takes the quick tap and runs the ball. The break is halted by an excellent tackle from Mark Easter and Saints get the turnover.
The turnover led to an explosive Ashton run with return passes between him and Bruce who, unselfishly, passed the ball back to Chris for the first try of the game. It since transpired that the unselfishness was going to be a common sight during the afternoon. Bruce converts (after colliding with sir) Four minutes 7-0.
The Cornishmen were, however to show their resolve when winger Hamish Smales sprinted off his line and nearly knocked down Bruce's conversion attempt.
CAB's restart but it doesn't go 10 metres and Saints choose for a scrum from which another break is on for Flash but a forward pass stopped try number 2.
Within minutes there's a penalty for CAB's for an offside infringement and CAB's find themselves in the Saints half and in possession for the first time but the possession doesn't last long and this time Foxy makes the break which leads to try number 2, this time for our Bruce. He makes his own conversion 11 minutes 14-0.
The restart led to a penalty to CAB's for Saints not releasing but again a turnover as Saints dominated and class was on show including a wonderful floating pass from Sharky to Bruce on the wing.
Scrum and line out pressure was keeping the CAB's pinned down in their own half but a sudden break had everyone thinking a surprise CAB's try was in the making but it was not to be. Despite all this, CAB's are now in the Saints 22 for the first time after 24 minutes of play.
Another turnover and this time King Carlos wants some of the action. A bursting run from him tore through the scattered CAB's defence and he wasn't brought down until he was inside the CAB's half again. The pressure continued and an ensuing ruck saw Dylan power a good ten metres with CAB's defenders hanging from him. The pressure again, was inside the CAB's 5 metres but fumbles and knock on's ensued. Suddenly a CAB's offside infringement was snapped up by Sharky who's simple tap ‘n go led to try number one for him, try three for Saints. Bruce converts on 30 minutes 21-0
It only took one minute for the next try to come along, Flash again after the ball was fed wide nicely at the breakdown from the restart. Was there going to be any stopping this man today? Bruce missed the con though. 32 minutes gone 26-0.
This restart saw Ashton almost get another try, only to be pulled over 5 metres short of the line but this wasn't to stop him and the recycled ball made it back to Ashton and within a couple more minutes he crossed the whitewash again to score his hatrick on 36 minutes 31-0. It was starting to look like a cricket score could be in the making, we've all seen these great second half Saints performances!
Bruce missed the conversion again but the restart saw more flair, this time between Sharky and Carlos but a knock on gave CAB's, Hamish Smales a late break down the wing only to be stopped by Ashton but CAB's are back in the Saints 22 again. It leads to little for them and Mr Williams blows for half time.
Half Time - Saints 31: 0 Launceston
As in some previous games, Saints exploded into action for the second half with Bruce feeding Chris to score under the posts with acrobatics within one minute. Bruce though does get the simple kick over the bar. 41 minutes 38-0
More class was to show from Carlos and he was finding the gaps in the CAB's back line where their No.10 was regularly found out of position or unprotected and Carlos & Chris were taking every advantage of it.
The next try was coming. This time James Downey fed a soft ball to Flash again and he waltzed across the line near enough between the posts for Bruce's conversion to be an easy one. 47 minutes 45-0.
Another poor restart from CAB's didn't go ten metres and Saints had a scrum on the half way line and the Carlos road show continued. Saints were really enjoying themselves now and I started to feel some sympathy for CAB's who, although they had few chances to kick, always went for territory and you could see the hope was to get a try. Alas, it wasn't to be and Captain Bruce crossed the try line again on 51 minutes in the corner of South and Churches only to jump the advertising hoardings, continue up into the crowd and sit himself down on the steps to watch the game for a few seconds. He misses the conversion but, no one really minded too much.
Then substitutions started. Paul Shields came on for Dylan, and John Brake replaced Sharky. The 12, 760 people
stood up as one to applaud as Mark Robinson left the field for the last time wearing the Green Black & Gold. Play continues and a power pass from Carlos Spencer whizzed across the field to be caught in mid flight by Chris Ashton who flew through the CAB's defence to score again. Bruce missed this kick too. 56 minutes 55-0.
Now the enjoyment was really starting to show and the next try was only two minutes later. Saints take and recycle the ball from the restart and this time a break from Bruce
sees him jogging towards the line looking for Chris Ashton but with CAB's defenders looming he dots down. This time however, he hands the ball to Chris to take the conversion, which he did comfortably. 60 minutes 62-0.
The team sheet gave a clear message from Jim and Dorian; Saints were fielding possibly their strongest team of the season for this game and the loyal supporters would love the fact that Sharky, Wee Tam, Toops, Foxy and Lordy were all starting and, oh boy did they all make an impact on this game.
The Game
CAB's got the game started kicking towards the South stand and managed to get early possession only to squander it away and were penalised for holding on in the ruck in centre field. Carlos kicked to get us into CAB's territory for the first time. A well taken line out saw the Saints pass out to ‘Flash' but this only ended in a line out to CAB's. Possession was soon back with Saints though and a sudden break from young Chris again, only led to sir calling him back when he was just 10 metres, or so out from the line for a knock on. Scrum down in CAB's 22 - CAB's put in.
But the scrum broke down and CAB's get a free kick. CAB's Ben Turner takes the quick tap and runs the ball. The break is halted by an excellent tackle from Mark Easter and Saints get the turnover.
The turnover led to an explosive Ashton run with return passes between him and Bruce who, unselfishly, passed the ball back to Chris for the first try of the game. It since transpired that the unselfishness was going to be a common sight during the afternoon. Bruce converts (after colliding with sir) Four minutes 7-0.
The Cornishmen were, however to show their resolve when winger Hamish Smales sprinted off his line and nearly knocked down Bruce's conversion attempt.
CAB's restart but it doesn't go 10 metres and Saints choose for a scrum from which another break is on for Flash but a forward pass stopped try number 2.
Within minutes there's a penalty for CAB's for an offside infringement and CAB's find themselves in the Saints half and in possession for the first time but the possession doesn't last long and this time Foxy makes the break which leads to try number 2, this time for our Bruce. He makes his own conversion 11 minutes 14-0.
The restart led to a penalty to CAB's for Saints not releasing but again a turnover as Saints dominated and class was on show including a wonderful floating pass from Sharky to Bruce on the wing.
Scrum and line out pressure was keeping the CAB's pinned down in their own half but a sudden break had everyone thinking a surprise CAB's try was in the making but it was not to be. Despite all this, CAB's are now in the Saints 22 for the first time after 24 minutes of play.
Another turnover and this time King Carlos wants some of the action. A bursting run from him tore through the scattered CAB's defence and he wasn't brought down until he was inside the CAB's half again. The pressure continued and an ensuing ruck saw Dylan power a good ten metres with CAB's defenders hanging from him. The pressure again, was inside the CAB's 5 metres but fumbles and knock on's ensued. Suddenly a CAB's offside infringement was snapped up by Sharky who's simple tap ‘n go led to try number one for him, try three for Saints. Bruce converts on 30 minutes 21-0
It only took one minute for the next try to come along, Flash again after the ball was fed wide nicely at the breakdown from the restart. Was there going to be any stopping this man today? Bruce missed the con though. 32 minutes gone 26-0.
This restart saw Ashton almost get another try, only to be pulled over 5 metres short of the line but this wasn't to stop him and the recycled ball made it back to Ashton and within a couple more minutes he crossed the whitewash again to score his hatrick on 36 minutes 31-0. It was starting to look like a cricket score could be in the making, we've all seen these great second half Saints performances!
Bruce missed the conversion again but the restart saw more flair, this time between Sharky and Carlos but a knock on gave CAB's, Hamish Smales a late break down the wing only to be stopped by Ashton but CAB's are back in the Saints 22 again. It leads to little for them and Mr Williams blows for half time.
Half Time - Saints 31: 0 Launceston
As in some previous games, Saints exploded into action for the second half with Bruce feeding Chris to score under the posts with acrobatics within one minute. Bruce though does get the simple kick over the bar. 41 minutes 38-0
More class was to show from Carlos and he was finding the gaps in the CAB's back line where their No.10 was regularly found out of position or unprotected and Carlos & Chris were taking every advantage of it.
The next try was coming. This time James Downey fed a soft ball to Flash again and he waltzed across the line near enough between the posts for Bruce's conversion to be an easy one. 47 minutes 45-0.
Another poor restart from CAB's didn't go ten metres and Saints had a scrum on the half way line and the Carlos road show continued. Saints were really enjoying themselves now and I started to feel some sympathy for CAB's who, although they had few chances to kick, always went for territory and you could see the hope was to get a try. Alas, it wasn't to be and Captain Bruce crossed the try line again on 51 minutes in the corner of South and Churches only to jump the advertising hoardings, continue up into the crowd and sit himself down on the steps to watch the game for a few seconds. He misses the conversion but, no one really minded too much.
Then substitutions started. Paul Shields came on for Dylan, and John Brake replaced Sharky. The 12, 760 people
stood up as one to applaud as Mark Robinson left the field for the last time wearing the Green Black & Gold. Play continues and a power pass from Carlos Spencer whizzed across the field to be caught in mid flight by Chris Ashton who flew through the CAB's defence to score again. Bruce missed this kick too. 56 minutes 55-0.Now the enjoyment was really starting to show and the next try was only two minutes later. Saints take and recycle the ball from the restart and this time a break from Bruce
sees him jogging towards the line looking for Chris Ashton but with CAB's defenders looming he dots down. This time however, he hands the ball to Chris to take the conversion, which he did comfortably. 60 minutes 62-0.The Franklins faithful are, by this time in fine voice and the enjoyment of the players is amplified by the beautiful warm afternoon and the anticipation of an even higher score. CAB's substitute prop Wayne Reed for Jason Bolt but you know that it is now too little too late for the visitors and the try fest was to continue four minutes 
later as Saints sub John Brake gets on the score sheet after a good few minutes of pressure from both teams. This time it is Carlos who attempts the conversion which is well wide. 64 minutes 67-0.
later as Saints sub John Brake gets on the score sheet after a good few minutes of pressure from both teams. This time it is Carlos who attempts the conversion which is well wide. 64 minutes 67-0.More CAB's substitutes are made and this time the hard hitting centres, Ryan Western was replaced by Tony Rogues on 67 minutes. All was in vain now though and the tries continued to
come for the home team with Bruce strolling across the line to, quite literally fall over behind the posts. He successfully converts his own try. 69 minutes 74-0.
come for the home team with Bruce strolling across the line to, quite literally fall over behind the posts. He successfully converts his own try. 69 minutes 74-0.
As if the Saints fans needed anything else to cheer for, it was time for more substitutions to be made and the relaxation could begin for our Captain Fantastic. Digger and Smyler jog on to the pitch to replace Bruce and Carlos respectively to another standing ovation.
CAB's Sam Hocking replaces the hard working Ben Turner at scrum half and Mark Hopley came on in place of Paul Tupai who had his usual hard hitting game.
CAB's Sam Hocking replaces the hard working Ben Turner at scrum half and Mark Hopley came on in place of Paul Tupai who had his usual hard hitting game.Play continued but by now the pace had slowed down somewhat with one side knowing they have done enough to ensure a clean sheet and the other possibly resigned to the fact that they were never going to get further than the Saints 22.
The last substitution of the season is made and Ben Lewitt replaces Foxy to more rapturous applause. With only five minutes now left on the clock suddenly CAB's have a good spell of possession, possibly their best for the entire game but, once again they fail to capitalise on it and Saints get possession back. Simple errors were now creeping into the game though and a poor line out throw from Paul Shields was followed by a penalty against CABs for an offside infringement which finally gave possession to Chris Ashton who made another attack only to chip forward a little too far and the ball trickled over the dead ball line. The following CAB's 22 drop out saw more fast ball from Saints and it was to be Joe Ansbro scoring his first of the afternoon after his usual
feisty performance. That lad really has come on this season and it was fitting he should get a score today. Smyler converts and the ref is heard to say ‘it's time for a beer' 83 minutes 81-0.That was the last play of the afternoon and Mr Williams blew the final whistle shortly after.
Final Score: Northampton Saints 81: 0 Launceston
Another successful day at the office for Saints and the celebrations would now start in earnest. A forlorn looking CABs team could only look on as RFU Chairman Bob Taylor presented the all conquering Saints with the National One trophy.
Thank you Launceston, you came to Fortress Franklins with a very hard task and you played hard rugby. Good luck to you in the future and thanks to you and the other Division one clubs for what was actually quite an enjoyable sabbatical but one which I don't want to do again for a while. Been there, done that!
Photos Courtesy Simon Robinson
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Re: News: Saints finish with 81 0 result v Lanson
Posted by: chocchoc (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:27:11:49:13
spot on
Re: News: Saints finish with 81 0 result v Lanson
Posted by: eb13saint (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:27:15:48:25
Great report - don't know how you managed to keep up!
Re: News: Saints finish with 81 0 result v Lanson
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:27:16:23:38
Well done!
desbralass
South Stand block L Row G 359
glass still overflowing
lesleyjay07@btinternet.com
desbralass
South Stand block L Row G 359
glass still overflowing
lesleyjay07@btinternet.com
Re: News: Saints finish with 81 0 result v Lanson
Posted by: Connorman (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:27:17:28:22
thanks for a great report from a great last day of term.
I'm bored now - when does the season start?
I'm bored now - when does the season start?
Re: News: Saints finish with 81 0 result v Lanson
Posted by: Phil. (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:27:18:50:18
really enjoyed reading that, aitch!
Many thanks!
"It's not the despair, Saints, I can take the despair. It's the hope I can't stand."
Many thanks!
"It's not the despair, Saints, I can take the despair. It's the hope I can't stand."
Re: News: Saints finish with 81 0 result v Lanson
Posted by: Seamus! (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:27:19:07:28
Well Done Saints. I'll have to get this on DVD I think!
Seamus
London Irish
Seamus
London Irish
Re: News: Saints finish with 81 0 result v Lanson
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:27:21:53:00
Re: News: Saints finish with 81 0 result v Lanson
Posted by: Wee Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:28:08:15:59
good report - lots of tries to keep track of!
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