Toulon- a sort of match report
By St Marlowe October 12 2008
6:00 am 8th October, your scribe eased his ridiculously indulgent British Racing Green motor out of the drive and headed towards the A43 to Stansted. Everybody knows that getting round Cambridge is a pain, so an early start for the 11:40 to the Ryanair map interpretation for Toulon was important. WRONG
6:00 am 8th October, your scribe eased his ridiculously indulgent British Racing Green motor out of the drive and headed towards the A43 to Stansted. Everybody knows that getting round Cambridge is a pain, so an early start for the 11:40 to the Ryanair map interpretation for Toulon was important. WRONG
ECC Pool Match
Stade Felix Mayol 9th October
Toulon 3 Northampton Saints Lots & Lots but not as many as those clubs that picked up Italian Romanian and Spanish sides (56)
Not the Match Report
WRONG (not for the first time on this trip!) 1hr 20 minutes later I arrived at the terminal with too much time to kill.
This report is somewhat different. It is not a blow by blow account of the match - in order to achieve that I would have needed three things - a pen, a notepad and sobriety. As I had none of the prerequisites, this is an account of some supporters' trip to Toulon, I hope that it will encourage other readers of COYSDC to pluck up courage, sell your granny and come on an away trip to Europe with the Saints.
I had arranged to do this trip with our esteemed Elder Mr Gleadell, he took the train, I took the Ryanair route. It felt a little like something from Top Gear, who would get there first and get the beers in? Following a disgusting breakfast in Weatherspoon's - why can't the British do good travellers' fare. Chris, I was sure would be breaking his fast somewhere south of Lille, served by waiters in starched aprons and paying 1/3 the price. The flight was fairly full, to my surprise, the team was on the flight, also one of Mr PS's two "official trips". (more of which later). I had booked "priority boarding" (as you would expect from someone of my standing), and imagine my surprise when the entire team queued up behind me in the priority sheep pen. I made it to the plane in front of the squad, and was just doing my normal trick of claiming a centre seat to avoid company, a voice said "scuse me Dave - is this seat taken?" I could not lie to Lennie, so I took the window seat and he the aisle. Great I thought, I can really pump him for inside info. The plane departed, and following a short discussion about the parentage of RFU Tribunal Members, and the lost ethos of respect between players, I (and he) promptly fell asleep. I awoke on the descent through the mother and father of thunderstorms to an Airport miles from Toulon, but dubbed Toulon by Ryanair. I have already posted on some of the team reaction to the turbulence. Arriving at a flooded airport, I shared a cab with Wilma and Alan Flinstone to our respective hotels.(€50 !!). Chris and I arrived at about the same time, but I claimed moral victory as he left 3 hrs before me! We departed with the Flinstones to find a restaurant. A good repast, accompanied by the return of the thunderstorm, which turned the road outside into a river. And so to bed, preceded by a good brandy, and a chat with some of the team. (some people paid really good extra money to be in this hotel!)
Thursday morning brought thunder, lightning and a huge precipitation. It cleared by 10, but what had it done to the ground? At breakfast, an individual in crimplene slacks and sporting a beret was loudly demanding to know where the team was, as they had been promised that they would be staying in the same hotel. They were all behind her, in training kit, either she was hard of sight, or had no idea what a rugby team looked like. Pre match rituals demanded a good lunch. as it was to be a late kick off, plenty of fluids, as it was to be a late kickoff, an an afternoon nap, as it was ...etc.
Chris had been in contact with a Toulon supporter called Roman, who had posted on the offy, to no avail. We were invited pre match to this support faction's bar by the ground. Our hotel was at least 50 yards from the gate, so we had to have a drink to fortify us before setting off to the supporters' bar at 6:30. We were treated like royalty, little French spoken, little English, but the universal language of rugby supporters made for some great craic. The drink of choice for the Toulonnais was pastis, It would be churlish to partake of pression, so we joined in. The supporters have their own pre match "Haka" (Pilou Pilou), and we treated to renditions of this, and responded with a number of spirited "Wendies". Full of bonhomie and pastis, we left for the ground. The Stade Felix Mayol is an old (1920's) ground, but a great rugby venue. There is some fencing, due to trouble some years ago, but that did not put of the assembled noisy Saints supporters. The Toulonnais were surprised by the quantity and volume of the support. After a shaky first 3 minutes, featuring an attempted drop goal, and a penalty by Toulon, the supporters, who really had no idea what to expect from the opposition were feeling a little nervous. The Wendies had died away, when Saints seemed to stand up, shake themselves down and then pass the game management to Stephen Myler who then commenced to run the show like the conductor at the last night of the proms.
Ben Foden had an armchair ride behind a ferocious pack, and over the next 10 minutes Saints took the game by scruff of the neck. Everything Saints tried came off, confidence grew and at 10 min Sean Lamont opened the account, following a set pice created by Courtney Lawes in his first European match.
I had agreed to send the scores to Beef and Flattie. For the next 40 minutes, whenever I had entered and sent a text, the score seemed to have moved on! At half time, Saints were 30 3 up and the home support had gone very Quiet. Chat at the break was all about how stunned we all were at the score, and could we hold on. Tana Umaga must have given his team of young internationals (many at the same international level as Dylan and Ben Foden) a right roasting, because for the first 20 minutes of the second half they gave Saints a torrid time. Strong in both defence and attack, in this period, Toulon tested the mettle of Saints, and their capability to soak up the attack and strike back. Bruce and Chris Ashton finally broke the stalemate with a glorious chip through by Bruce followed up at top speed by Ashton, and Myler's subsequent conversion. At this point Toulon broke. Saints threw the ball around with impunity, and appeared to undertake a clinical closing down of the opposition.
Finishing at 56 3, Saints seemed to have found a new maturity and ability to stay awake for the whole game. Myler's kicking was excellent, but I think that was outweighed by his command of the game and ability to dictate play.
It should be noted that for the last 15 minutes Toulon supporters were on their feet applauding Saint's tries, and singing along with Wendy!! After cheering ourselves hoarse when the team came out, we repaired to the supporters club to relive the game. (Some of us had been presented with supporters club jerseys by les Toulonnais, and had foolishly agreed to wear them if we were up at half time. Chris and I duly obliged!). Absurdly generous in defeat their supporters would not let us leave until the pastis was running low. When we did finally get away, passing knots of both sets of supporters at street bars along the way, until we arrived back at the hotel, where the players were having their post match meal. Jim, Nobby, Larry and Nick Johnson were outside the hotel, and several bottles of Provence's finest, grinning like Cheshire Cats. The players had been given the rest of the week off, and in times past would have headed into town to hit the clubs. Apparently this was to have been the case this time, but they decided to stay at the hotel, chat to the supporters, play drinking games and generally behave like a club on tour!
Jim was delighted that the team had voluntarily decided to bond in this way, and a riotous time was had by both team and supporters until 3:30
The next morning started slowly, as was to be expected, and some people did not make breakfast until 9:30! Saints supporters would not be a breed without the doubters and the conspiracy whisperers. Was "Carlos injured?" "why wasn't he here?" "Had he been rested?" "He's leaving" "He was dropped because of that pass at Leicester"
The culture of a 1st XV that plays every week and disaster to befall if a player is not present is still prevalent amongst many supporters. The fact that we have a strength and depth that will allow a team to be chosen to tactically play to different types of opposition does not seem to have dawned on them. The team may have a number of stars, but the cult of the individual is fast disappearing, so they'd better get used to it.
The team and 1st official trip members having departed for the airport, we took a trip round the bay, visiting the Charles de Gaul and other French Warships on the way. By now the temperature was at a level reminiscent of an August day on the Riviera. In the eveing, we visited the supporters club again, where they replayed the video, giving us the opportunity to see why Chris Ashton was given MoM (not clear from our seats), and spent a few hours with some wonderful supporters, who will struggle to make the return trip in January, but will try. It was here that we realised that the leader of the Pilou Pilou chant was none other than one of the supporters who was great fun on both evenings. We presented them with a shirt signed by Chris Ashton with will take a prominent place in their bar. Going on to eat along the harbour, the number of Saints supporters was striking.
Today Chris departed for Toulouse, to taunt the Bath Supporters in their match tomorrow. He is sure to have a good time. I spent the day ascending the mountain overlooking the bay by cable car. In the afternoon, Adam Reynolds and I found a bar where we watched Sale tame Clermond Auvergne, and fell asleep watching Ulster go down to Stade Francais. (I have a rule to only do one visit/activity a day - that way you do feel as though you have had a holiday!) Toulon is vastly underrated. It is a "working city" rather than a tourist destination, but it has some gems. Everyone I spoke to wants to come back.
That's why I love these trips, the Rugby is prime, but you get to see a side of the destination and its citizens that you would never see if it was a straight holiday. I hope that the events of the past few months and days does not curtail my ability to make these trips - it would be a sad day!
This report is somewhat different. It is not a blow by blow account of the match - in order to achieve that I would have needed three things - a pen, a notepad and sobriety. As I had none of the prerequisites, this is an account of some supporters' trip to Toulon, I hope that it will encourage other readers of COYSDC to pluck up courage, sell your granny and come on an away trip to Europe with the Saints.
I had arranged to do this trip with our esteemed Elder Mr Gleadell, he took the train, I took the Ryanair route. It felt a little like something from Top Gear, who would get there first and get the beers in? Following a disgusting breakfast in Weatherspoon's - why can't the British do good travellers' fare. Chris, I was sure would be breaking his fast somewhere south of Lille, served by waiters in starched aprons and paying 1/3 the price. The flight was fairly full, to my surprise, the team was on the flight, also one of Mr PS's two "official trips". (more of which later). I had booked "priority boarding" (as you would expect from someone of my standing), and imagine my surprise when the entire team queued up behind me in the priority sheep pen. I made it to the plane in front of the squad, and was just doing my normal trick of claiming a centre seat to avoid company, a voice said "scuse me Dave - is this seat taken?" I could not lie to Lennie, so I took the window seat and he the aisle. Great I thought, I can really pump him for inside info. The plane departed, and following a short discussion about the parentage of RFU Tribunal Members, and the lost ethos of respect between players, I (and he) promptly fell asleep. I awoke on the descent through the mother and father of thunderstorms to an Airport miles from Toulon, but dubbed Toulon by Ryanair. I have already posted on some of the team reaction to the turbulence. Arriving at a flooded airport, I shared a cab with Wilma and Alan Flinstone to our respective hotels.(€50 !!). Chris and I arrived at about the same time, but I claimed moral victory as he left 3 hrs before me! We departed with the Flinstones to find a restaurant. A good repast, accompanied by the return of the thunderstorm, which turned the road outside into a river. And so to bed, preceded by a good brandy, and a chat with some of the team. (some people paid really good extra money to be in this hotel!)
Thursday morning brought thunder, lightning and a huge precipitation. It cleared by 10, but what had it done to the ground? At breakfast, an individual in crimplene slacks and sporting a beret was loudly demanding to know where the team was, as they had been promised that they would be staying in the same hotel. They were all behind her, in training kit, either she was hard of sight, or had no idea what a rugby team looked like. Pre match rituals demanded a good lunch. as it was to be a late kick off, plenty of fluids, as it was to be a late kickoff, an an afternoon nap, as it was ...etc.
Chris had been in contact with a Toulon supporter called Roman, who had posted on the offy, to no avail. We were invited pre match to this support faction's bar by the ground. Our hotel was at least 50 yards from the gate, so we had to have a drink to fortify us before setting off to the supporters' bar at 6:30. We were treated like royalty, little French spoken, little English, but the universal language of rugby supporters made for some great craic. The drink of choice for the Toulonnais was pastis, It would be churlish to partake of pression, so we joined in. The supporters have their own pre match "Haka" (Pilou Pilou), and we treated to renditions of this, and responded with a number of spirited "Wendies". Full of bonhomie and pastis, we left for the ground. The Stade Felix Mayol is an old (1920's) ground, but a great rugby venue. There is some fencing, due to trouble some years ago, but that did not put of the assembled noisy Saints supporters. The Toulonnais were surprised by the quantity and volume of the support. After a shaky first 3 minutes, featuring an attempted drop goal, and a penalty by Toulon, the supporters, who really had no idea what to expect from the opposition were feeling a little nervous. The Wendies had died away, when Saints seemed to stand up, shake themselves down and then pass the game management to Stephen Myler who then commenced to run the show like the conductor at the last night of the proms.
Ben Foden had an armchair ride behind a ferocious pack, and over the next 10 minutes Saints took the game by scruff of the neck. Everything Saints tried came off, confidence grew and at 10 min Sean Lamont opened the account, following a set pice created by Courtney Lawes in his first European match.
I had agreed to send the scores to Beef and Flattie. For the next 40 minutes, whenever I had entered and sent a text, the score seemed to have moved on! At half time, Saints were 30 3 up and the home support had gone very Quiet. Chat at the break was all about how stunned we all were at the score, and could we hold on. Tana Umaga must have given his team of young internationals (many at the same international level as Dylan and Ben Foden) a right roasting, because for the first 20 minutes of the second half they gave Saints a torrid time. Strong in both defence and attack, in this period, Toulon tested the mettle of Saints, and their capability to soak up the attack and strike back. Bruce and Chris Ashton finally broke the stalemate with a glorious chip through by Bruce followed up at top speed by Ashton, and Myler's subsequent conversion. At this point Toulon broke. Saints threw the ball around with impunity, and appeared to undertake a clinical closing down of the opposition.
Finishing at 56 3, Saints seemed to have found a new maturity and ability to stay awake for the whole game. Myler's kicking was excellent, but I think that was outweighed by his command of the game and ability to dictate play.
It should be noted that for the last 15 minutes Toulon supporters were on their feet applauding Saint's tries, and singing along with Wendy!! After cheering ourselves hoarse when the team came out, we repaired to the supporters club to relive the game. (Some of us had been presented with supporters club jerseys by les Toulonnais, and had foolishly agreed to wear them if we were up at half time. Chris and I duly obliged!). Absurdly generous in defeat their supporters would not let us leave until the pastis was running low. When we did finally get away, passing knots of both sets of supporters at street bars along the way, until we arrived back at the hotel, where the players were having their post match meal. Jim, Nobby, Larry and Nick Johnson were outside the hotel, and several bottles of Provence's finest, grinning like Cheshire Cats. The players had been given the rest of the week off, and in times past would have headed into town to hit the clubs. Apparently this was to have been the case this time, but they decided to stay at the hotel, chat to the supporters, play drinking games and generally behave like a club on tour!
Jim was delighted that the team had voluntarily decided to bond in this way, and a riotous time was had by both team and supporters until 3:30
The next morning started slowly, as was to be expected, and some people did not make breakfast until 9:30! Saints supporters would not be a breed without the doubters and the conspiracy whisperers. Was "Carlos injured?" "why wasn't he here?" "Had he been rested?" "He's leaving" "He was dropped because of that pass at Leicester"
The culture of a 1st XV that plays every week and disaster to befall if a player is not present is still prevalent amongst many supporters. The fact that we have a strength and depth that will allow a team to be chosen to tactically play to different types of opposition does not seem to have dawned on them. The team may have a number of stars, but the cult of the individual is fast disappearing, so they'd better get used to it.
The team and 1st official trip members having departed for the airport, we took a trip round the bay, visiting the Charles de Gaul and other French Warships on the way. By now the temperature was at a level reminiscent of an August day on the Riviera. In the eveing, we visited the supporters club again, where they replayed the video, giving us the opportunity to see why Chris Ashton was given MoM (not clear from our seats), and spent a few hours with some wonderful supporters, who will struggle to make the return trip in January, but will try. It was here that we realised that the leader of the Pilou Pilou chant was none other than one of the supporters who was great fun on both evenings. We presented them with a shirt signed by Chris Ashton with will take a prominent place in their bar. Going on to eat along the harbour, the number of Saints supporters was striking.
Today Chris departed for Toulouse, to taunt the Bath Supporters in their match tomorrow. He is sure to have a good time. I spent the day ascending the mountain overlooking the bay by cable car. In the afternoon, Adam Reynolds and I found a bar where we watched Sale tame Clermond Auvergne, and fell asleep watching Ulster go down to Stade Francais. (I have a rule to only do one visit/activity a day - that way you do feel as though you have had a holiday!) Toulon is vastly underrated. It is a "working city" rather than a tourist destination, but it has some gems. Everyone I spoke to wants to come back.
That's why I love these trips, the Rugby is prime, but you get to see a side of the destination and its citizens that you would never see if it was a straight holiday. I hope that the events of the past few months and days does not curtail my ability to make these trips - it would be a sad day!
David Lowrence - Toulon 8/10/08
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Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Howlin (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:11:23:20:11
Jealous moi ?
Good stuff david, puts the atmosphere across.
Saint til I die
Good stuff david, puts the atmosphere across.
Saint til I die
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:04:13:00
Whoa Pastis? Why do I feel queezy?
Nicely done St.M and you'll just have to get used to this brave new world
ps don't worry about Flattie, I talked him through the tries whilst he was stuck on the M6
please sponsor family Lindsley for Saints with Heart 7
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:12:04:22:55 by St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad.
Nicely done St.M and you'll just have to get used to this brave new world
ps don't worry about Flattie, I talked him through the tries whilst he was stuck on the M6
please sponsor family Lindsley for Saints with Heart 7
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:12:04:22:55 by St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad.
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Saint Tim (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:06:19:24
Jealous moi aussi
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:06:33:10
Very good,David.
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: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: ClaireJ (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:07:25:02
Great report David - the leader of pilou pilou was a very scary man on telly!
Well done on being a fellow BRG driver
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:12:07:31:53 by ClaireJ.
Well done on being a fellow BRG driver
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:12:07:31:53 by ClaireJ.
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: smurfomatic (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:08:06:19
Nice report David, gives us poor souls stuck in Blighty the atmosphere of the trip.
------------------------------------------
Smurf's Photo Gallery
£437 raised for the BHF, thanks everyone!
------------------------------------------
Smurf's Photo Gallery
£437 raised for the BHF, thanks everyone!
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Robby Richmond (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:08:11:08
Good stuff Dave, glad everyone had such a good time...
I'm sure you and Chris will be busy reciprocating the bonhomie when the toulon supporters pay us a visit!!!
I'm sure you and Chris will be busy reciprocating the bonhomie when the toulon supporters pay us a visit!!!
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Ian Spokes (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:08:43:32
We didn't really need a match report (we all saw it on TV) but that was an excellent "back story". Thanks David.
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Jazzman (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:09:53:05
Good Stuff David,perhaps this should appear as a 'second opinion' in a future programme. It deserves no less aclaim.
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: eb13saint (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:09:58:56
Got back last night after what seemed like an endless series of trains - excellent report David, and many thanks for the baguette at half time! My sister and I had a great time, the Toulon supporters were excellent company - I hope we're as nice to them in January as they have been to us this past few days.
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: St Francis (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:11:50:41
Thank you David - very enjoyable. Reminded me of the first Biarritz match a couple of years ago. And the second one. And the one in Toulouse three or four years ago. Must be something about the French!
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Chris Hoddle (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:13:29:31
Really enjoyed that! In many ways better than a match report, we all saw the game but not the pre and post match aspects.
Thanks you David
Sponsor me for Saints with Hearts 7 here
[www.justgiving.com]
Thanks you David
Sponsor me for Saints with Hearts 7 here
[www.justgiving.com]
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Si-saint82 (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:14:26:36
Great report David! Good having a chat with you at the airport before we boarded for Toulon. While we were having a beer with the Toulon supporters in a small beer tent at the back of the stadium after the game, there was a car parked next to it. As we had a look who was sat in it, we saw Jerry Collins at the wheel. He spotted me and called me over, put out his hand and said how awesome he thought our supporters were! He said respect and mentioned that with supporters like us our team has no problem who they are playing! He then shook my hand clenched my fist and again said respect, signed a picture for me and then drove off! Awesome show of respect from the All Blacks Legend! Something i'll never forget.
Well done to all who travelled and supported the boys. What a performance, what a game and what a trip! Thanks Lads!
Well done to all who travelled and supported the boys. What a performance, what a game and what a trip! Thanks Lads!
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Saintsby (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:17:26:00
David, what a very accurate report of how I have seen, enjoyed, and treasure my Saintly forays sur le Continent saoking up local fare, and bonhomie! Couldn't be there but your report made me think I could smell the pastis fumes memories of the last HC Biarritz win too Ahhhh! thanks
£290 Raised for the BHF from SWH7!! eye thenk ewe!
£290 Raised for the BHF from SWH7!! eye thenk ewe!
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Romain (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:20:10:30
Great report Dave.
We had a lovely time with you in Toulon and i hope i'll be able to make the trip to Northampton in January with Mathias, the one singing the pilou. I'm very glad you enjoyed your time and that you discovered a town far from the press's assertions.
I can't wait for Chris's report and pictures of his trip.
We had a lovely time with you in Toulon and i hope i'll be able to make the trip to Northampton in January with Mathias, the one singing the pilou. I'm very glad you enjoyed your time and that you discovered a town far from the press's assertions.
I can't wait for Chris's report and pictures of his trip.
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Sarge (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:21:28:16
Is that last mention of Toulouse a typo?
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:12:22:54:38
Sarge
I cant see what you mean
Romain
Really good to meet you and Mathias
Hopefully see you in Jan - keep in touch
I cant see what you mean
Romain
Really good to meet you and Mathias
Hopefully see you in Jan - keep in touch
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Hintonsaint (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:13:08:28:52
A great read, really wish I'd been there 
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Wee Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:13:10:50:36
Great read- I tthink Im possibly one of thew few who didnt see the match at all :-( so its great catching up on the last weeks events.
Re: Toulon- a sort of match report
Posted by: Saint Dom (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:10:14:18:24:35
I am Green (Black and Gold) with envy...
Terrific write-up!
Terrific write-up!