Question: Who was your Man of the Match as Saints came up short against the Blues?

Before we got to the main event of the afternoon there was the little matter of the other semi final between the Ospreys and Gloucester.  Now Ospreys are almost the unofficial Wales side - so many of the national team do they supply so I was hoping for a display of running rugby of verve and imagination against a Gloucester side who had gone off the boil.  I hoped in vain.  This was a dour match and shortly after half time I gave up and decided to go find some semi decent beer which meant going round to the events hall - just a big shed tacked on the side of the Ricoh Stadium.  At least it was a little warmer inside here than in the ground and there was beer on offer rather than just Carlsberg cats urine and an apple based drink of similar taste which was all to be had once inside the ground. 

So it was back out into the ground for the main game and it was a good job I was on time as Blues were on the scoreboard almost immediately following the kick reception by Ben Foden and hands in the ensuing ruck.  Blair easily slotted over the points.  Whilst a very tight game followed it was enjoyable - played with some spirit and verve by both sides.  Blues however were edging it and despite a missed penalty in the swirling wind by both kickers it was the welsh side who extended their lead with a well worked try through the power of their forwards before Jason Spice eluded the defence to go over to score an unconverted try on the 33^rd minute.  That was how the half ended as Saints blew a golden chance just on the stroke of half time with Ben Foden and Paul Diggin getting in each other's way.

I was fearful at half time that Cardiff may just run away with it in the second half and end up embarrassing my team.  I should not have had those doubts.  Saints came out fired up and within a minute Joe Ansbro finished off in the corner and after many replays the TMO gave the thumbs up for the try to be awarded although from the difficult angle Myler failed to convert.  Saints now seemed to have belief as the chased the game- perhaps a little more patience might have been the order of the day as a lack of precision in the final pass saw two golden chances go begging for a forward pass and a knock on.  At 5 - 8 all was to play for and Cardiff showed what a good side they are as they absorbed the Saints pressure and showed some flair to relive the pressure with some delightful runs from deep.  Unfortunately for Saints the final points came courtesy of the boot of Blair and the Blues ran out winners 11 - 5.  This was a defeat, but I took huge heart from the way we had played and the way we continued to put Cardiff under pressure throughout the game.  Yes it was a defeat but not many left the Ricoh totally downhearted - this was further evidence of Saints moving in the right direction.

So who caught the eye?

Not many votes this week - which was unfortunate considering that the game was on TV - but the lack of a quick write up was probably starting to impact by now.  My thaniks to those 75 who did vote though.

In fourth place was Joe Ansbro with getting on for 11%.  Joe brings a certain steel to the defence plus he has an eye for the whitewash.  Joe, if only he can stay relatively injury free, is going to be a key player for Saints in years to come.

In third with 16% was Roger Wilson.  Roger continues to impress in a much changed back line this season but this time there was no glory for Roger.

In second place with an awesome scrimmaging performance was Euan Murray with almost 19% of the votes.  Euan is one who can be counted on to stand up when the team most needs it.  Surprisingly Euan is yet to get the top vote so far this season.

The winner, and his second of the season, with over 21% of the votes was Neil Best.  The Saints have in Neil Best, Roger Wilson and Scott Gray a back row to live with almost any team.  That both Roger and Neil featured so highly shows the sort of game it was as they tried, and almost did, tackle Cardiff to a standstill.  Congratulations Neil.

This result does not change the top of the table with both Roger Wilson and Paul Diggin failing to score.  There are still six matches to go so it remains anyones race.

Full Result

Previous Winners

Vote History

Who wins?

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