News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
By Howlin'
May 24 2009
Last night a famous rugby son of Northampton said to me "The French; if they can't win the game, they want to win the fight". Well fight they did, tooth and nail, both fair and foul, in a battle for the final remaining Heineken cup place available to the teams representing their respective countries, Northampton and Bourgoin.
May 24 2009
Last night a famous rugby son of Northampton said to me "The French; if they can't win the game, they want to win the fight". Well fight they did, tooth and nail, both fair and foul, in a battle for the final remaining Heineken cup place available to the teams representing their respective countries, Northampton and Bourgoin.
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs Bourgoin
ECC SEMI FINAL: Friday 22nd May 2009. 19:45
TWICKENHAM STOOP
RESULT - SAINTS 15 v 3 Bourgoin
To anyone who tries to tell you this is a "Mickey Mouse" competition or that "the French don't care"; ask them to review the damage to Neil Best's eye. Ask them to view the bruises on the players bodies. Ask them how Courtneys jaw feels this morning and then you could also ask them what the hell they know about rugby. This was an intense struggle between two teams determined to leave every part of themselves on that pitch. For Northampton Saints it was another stage completed in their rites of passage. Whisper it softly but this squad is growing up and now has a major trophy, the European Challenge Cup, in the cabinet to polish as a reminder of how far it has come.
Bourgoin have had a poor season in the top 14 however their recent form had seen them dispatch London Irish, the top seeds, from this competition at the Madjetski, draw with Brive and beat Castres in the top 14. They were a team who would fight all the way and were capable of a big performance. My nerves were starting to jangle as I read the excellent 16 page pull out from the Chron and munched through my Morrison's big breakfast. Three hours later I was drinking Fullers London Pride in Richmond in what had become an annual ritual in the early years of this century. Today we weren't going to the cabbage patch itself but to the home of Harlequins next door. It felt the same though. We were at Twickenham. We were playing in a European final.
Bourgoin have had a poor season in the top 14 however their recent form had seen them dispatch London Irish, the top seeds, from this competition at the Madjetski, draw with Brive and beat Castres in the top 14. They were a team who would fight all the way and were capable of a big performance. My nerves were starting to jangle as I read the excellent 16 page pull out from the Chron and munched through my Morrison's big breakfast. Three hours later I was drinking Fullers London Pride in Richmond in what had become an annual ritual in the early years of this century. Today we weren't going to the cabbage patch itself but to the home of Harlequins next door. It felt the same though. We were at Twickenham. We were playing in a European final.
So then we took our seats and the battle commenced. Mark Easter collected the kick off and was immediately smashed to the ground by Wessel Jooste, my man of the match for Bourgoin, in a clear statement of intent. War had broken out. For those that believe Bourgoin dominated the scrum the first one resulted in a penalty to Saints on I minute 20. Saints proceeded to dominate play but the French defence was both brutal and effective but eventually resulting in a penalty within kicking range and 3-0 Saints on 9 mins.
Two line out steals and composed play from saints followed until a momentary blip saw Myler charged down. But the Saints defence re-organised effectively and another Saints attack on 16 mins saw a Digger kick through come oh so close to an opening try.
As early as 18 minutes in Bourgoin started to show their frustration as Parra gave Dickson a cuddle. Forest then took exception to being tackled by Digger and went for the cuddle approach too.
Unfortunately Clancy didn't detect the mood of the game and simply warned both teams that is anyone else had a cuddle they would both be in the bin. I must say the first time I saw Clancy referee he looked like a schoolboy. Something to do with my advancing years I fear. However there were 
times on Friday night that he refereed like a schoolboy too. Never mind a few phases later Saints have a penalty and Myler , flawless with his spot kicks on the night, made it 6-0.Saints continued to dominate play, making few mistakes, running hard and offloading well. Sadly Mr Clancy saw fit to penalise the attack for holding on allowing Bourgoin relief and even spots a forward pass when Besty dumps him on his arse on 31 mins. Obviously aggrieved at this lack of respect he sees fit to penalise Saints at the next scrum and the score moves to 6-3.
Despite the tight scoreline Bourgoin begin to realise they are losing the match. Parra and Labrit decide to pull Besty by the neck from the back of a ruck and mayhem ensues. When the dust settles Besty replaces his eyeball into a bloodied socket and is rewarded with a yellow card. I think Mr Clancy may have mistaken the offence described as interference with the eye. It doesn't mean one uses ones eye to interfere with another players fingers. Or maybe it does. Parra joins Besty in the bin in Mr Clancy's tit for tat management style.
Saints are motivated by this (apparent) injustice and a couple of phases later induce another penalty 9-3. Boyet responds by trying a speculative drop goal with the last kick of the half which drops short and the half time whistle blows. Saints have played well, had 64% of the possession but a six point lead is not enough for the faithful to breath easy.
The second half sees Lawes on for Nacho and your intrepid reporter caught on camera after thanking him for his efforts. On the pitch Saints continue where they left off. Until the last minute the stats see Bourgoin with 0% in the Saints twenty two ! 71% possession belongs to the boys from Northampton. They fail to make it pay with a try but the penalties continue. Myler misses two drop goals but by 67 mins the score is 15-3 and Saints are well in control. The French know the cause is lost so the nasty stuff continues. Dylan clears Boyet from a ruck. Boyet does his dying Swan impression. If you have a recording of this game it is well worth watching the miraculous recovery on 65 mins as the physio whispers sweet nothings Boyet leaps like Lazurus from the dead back into the action.
Lawes puts himself about tackling (fairly) but very hard. Genevois sees red for a cowardly punch and Courtney responds with even more tackles. Apparently these have drawn a few adverse comments on the network. Get used to it folks. This guy will be an England regular for years to come. And if you want to get precious have a look at the recording. Courtney tackles within the lawes (geddit) albeit like a cruise missile. The Bourgoin reacted by punching and physical assault. Which side are you on ??
One final Bourgoin assault sees their first encroachment into the Saints twenty two of the half but results in nothing. The game is over. The result is a thoroughly deserved victory for a lively, commited and composed Saints team. The crowd go wild, appreciation
is shown to all, especially Tom Smith and Nacho dances and conducts the faithful in a few Wendys. The Cup is won and held aloft. This was our day remember it well.
Despite the tight scoreline Bourgoin begin to realise they are losing the match. Parra and Labrit decide to pull Besty by the neck from the back of a ruck and mayhem ensues. When the dust settles Besty replaces his eyeball into a bloodied socket and is rewarded with a yellow card. I think Mr Clancy may have mistaken the offence described as interference with the eye. It doesn't mean one uses ones eye to interfere with another players fingers. Or maybe it does. Parra joins Besty in the bin in Mr Clancy's tit for tat management style.
Saints are motivated by this (apparent) injustice and a couple of phases later induce another penalty 9-3. Boyet responds by trying a speculative drop goal with the last kick of the half which drops short and the half time whistle blows. Saints have played well, had 64% of the possession but a six point lead is not enough for the faithful to breath easy.
The second half sees Lawes on for Nacho and your intrepid reporter caught on camera after thanking him for his efforts. On the pitch Saints continue where they left off. Until the last minute the stats see Bourgoin with 0% in the Saints twenty two ! 71% possession belongs to the boys from Northampton. They fail to make it pay with a try but the penalties continue. Myler misses two drop goals but by 67 mins the score is 15-3 and Saints are well in control. The French know the cause is lost so the nasty stuff continues. Dylan clears Boyet from a ruck. Boyet does his dying Swan impression. If you have a recording of this game it is well worth watching the miraculous recovery on 65 mins as the physio whispers sweet nothings Boyet leaps like Lazurus from the dead back into the action.
Lawes puts himself about tackling (fairly) but very hard. Genevois sees red for a cowardly punch and Courtney responds with even more tackles. Apparently these have drawn a few adverse comments on the network. Get used to it folks. This guy will be an England regular for years to come. And if you want to get precious have a look at the recording. Courtney tackles within the lawes (geddit) albeit like a cruise missile. The Bourgoin reacted by punching and physical assault. Which side are you on ??One final Bourgoin assault sees their first encroachment into the Saints twenty two of the half but results in nothing. The game is over. The result is a thoroughly deserved victory for a lively, commited and composed Saints team. The crowd go wild, appreciation
is shown to all, especially Tom Smith and Nacho dances and conducts the faithful in a few Wendys. The Cup is won and held aloft. This was our day remember it well.So the final game has been played. And what a way to finish the season ! Take a moment to reflect. Saints are now firmly established back in the Premiership. Next season they will also be playing in the Heineken cup along with Leicester, London Irish, Harlequins, Bath, Sale, and Gloucester. We have a maturing squad based around a core of fine young players. We may still have a few more new players to further strengthen and broaden the squad yet to be announced. We have fantastic management and support teams. The future is yet unknown. But whatever happens the Saints are back and boy can they kick arse !!
Pictures Courtesy Simon Hendy & Claire Jones
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News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: ComeOnYouSaints.com (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 15:35
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Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 16:00
Splendid!!!!
“Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.”
“Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.”
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: HjS (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 17:14
Great report - captures the spirit perfectly!
Stats were really good too - you miss out on them when you're there, so for you to find them out and post them was excellent - and quite an eye opener!
You cannot escape the Long Arm of the Lawes
Latest Photos: Saints vs Munster | Wanderers vs Oxford Uni
South Stand / K-Lo / Row P
Stats were really good too - you miss out on them when you're there, so for you to find them out and post them was excellent - and quite an eye opener!
You cannot escape the Long Arm of the Lawes
Latest Photos: Saints vs Munster | Wanderers vs Oxford Uni
South Stand / K-Lo / Row P
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: smurfomatic (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 18:20
Fantastic report, a great way to finish off the season.
Eds - as it looks likely I'll have little to do at work this week, I'm going to try and knock together a stats-slanted end of season review, OK?
WestMidsSaint poetry book on sale now
Photo Gallery...Smurf's Swindle rules
Eds - as it looks likely I'll have little to do at work this week, I'm going to try and knock together a stats-slanted end of season review, OK?
WestMidsSaint poetry book on sale now
Photo Gallery...Smurf's Swindle rules
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 18:24
That would be really good simon
Thanks
Dont want to teach grandmother to suck eggs, but dont forget statbunker!
Thanks
Dont want to teach grandmother to suck eggs, but dont forget statbunker!
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: Robby Richmond (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 18:26
are we not polling this year then?
well done malcolm, covered the bases very well.
no more mr nice guy, y'see the secret is out...
shame the media were more interested in Wasps eh?
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well done malcolm, covered the bases very well.
no more mr nice guy, y'see the secret is out...
shame the media were more interested in Wasps eh?
The scrumcast radio show, a visceral and apoplectic rugby show featuring an idiot well known to many rugbynetwork regulars, now completely free of swears
download or subscribe here!
Join the facebook group and embrace the rugby madness with us!
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 18:29
Yes we are Robbie, but this will be a summary - slightly different!
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: smurfomatic (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 18:43
Rob - I was planning a short piece involving things like "what would happen if final whistle was on 60 minutes", a mere trifle comapred to the end of season poll...
WestMidsSaint poetry book on sale now
Photo Gallery...Smurf's Swindle rules
WestMidsSaint poetry book on sale now
Photo Gallery...Smurf's Swindle rules
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: Robby Richmond (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 18:50
right, right, soz chaps
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download or subscribe here!
Join the facebook group and embrace the rugby madness with us!
The scrumcast radio show, a visceral and apoplectic rugby show featuring an idiot well known to many rugbynetwork regulars, now completely free of swears
download or subscribe here!
Join the facebook group and embrace the rugby madness with us!
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: Si-saint82 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 19:43
Rob, we were chatting to Jim after the match and Olneysaint mentioned the bit about the media more interested about wasps and he agreed! What a shame there not in the HEC next year.
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 19:52
Good one Malc.
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: Flinstone Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 20:51
Excellent, Malc. Well remembered! 
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: St Francis (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 21:05
Jolly good read. Thank you kindly sir.
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: OldPete (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2009 21:35
not only is the preview an example of the finest piece of sports reporting i have ever seen
but is also a tribute and telling testimony to the authors stamina and fortitude.
but is also a tribute and telling testimony to the authors stamina and fortitude.
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: SAINT_aitch (IP Logged)
Date: 25/05/2009 07:00
What Pete said.
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: Wee Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 26/05/2009 10:32
Great report!
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: Mousefez (IP Logged)
Date: 26/05/2009 12:24
After the semi I was a very dissapointed Sarrie but you deserved the hard won victory.ECC won by a Guiness Prem tam & pests out the HC next season.....well done
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: Stockers (IP Logged)
Date: 26/05/2009 16:04
Good report Malcolm. Quite succinctly covers the aggro from Bourgoin and the way our team dealt with it, mostly within the laws.
Re: News: Northampton Saints 15 v 3 Bourgoin. Saints ECC winners
Posted by: St ann (IP Logged)
Date: 26/05/2009 20:45
or by the Lawes.......(see what I did there.....?)
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