Question: Who was your MoTM as Saints won the ECC at the Stoop against Bourgoin?

After the Semi final game there was a bit, well in truth a lot, of shenanigans regarding the location for the final.  Initially the ECC, in their wisdom, allocated the game to Kingsholm and because of the requirements of the TV companies it was to be played on the Friday evening - of the bank holiday weekend.  This was not popular with a lot of Saints but the Bourgoin supporters blew a proverbial gasket!  The truth was no French club had bid to hold the match and so it was to be in England but Gloucester was not easy for them to get to!  After some hectic behind the scenes negotiations the game was moved to the Stoop.  This placated to some extent those travelling from France but upset the hotel owners of Gloucester who were faced with a tidal wave of cancellations.  It makes you wonder if the ECC committee could organise a party in a brewery.

The switch to West London suited me as I work near Heathrow and so I could leave work at a reasonable hour and still make it to the game in plenty of time.  So it was I pulled into the Rosebine car park at about 18:00 and was met by some Bourgoin supporter who had had a rather longer trip.  Pleasantries exchanged, and it was obvious they still rankled at the location, it was off to the cabbage patch where the Saintly ones were being out sung by the lads in the pale blue shirts and outrageous French accents.  Those lads were going to need some staying power to drink at that rate and sing at that volume and last the match!  It was all good fun and just what a final should be - although I would have preferred a Saturday to be honest!

At the ground there was good representation from Saints and a fair few from across the channel but the ground was not sold out by any means, which is a little disappointing for a final with such a lot riding on it as the winner from either country would qualify for the Heineken cup next season.  There were also some Harlequin visitors (at their home ground) just along to watch the game and a few from West Wycombe out to support their fellow French!!

The game was played at pace and there was to be honest not much to choose between the teams.  Saints always looked the more capable but Bourgoin showed flashes of the form that had got them to the final with some dangerous runs.  It was also a little tetchy in places with the French team seeming to be the aggressors in most cases.  There were no flashy (or even non flashy) tries on the night and it belonged to the boot of Stephen Myler to steer home the Saints.  Paul Diggin did have a chance as he chased through a chip on the stroke of half time but he was expertly chaperoned away from the ball allowing a defender to touch it down.  At this point it was 14 playing 14 as Neil Best and Parra were cooling their heels following a little fracas - one of many that seemed to erupt at the drop of a beret!

The second half was much like the first but Saints continued to turn the screw and punish Bourgoin indiscretions.  Myler did blot his copy book with two missed attempts at drop goals but coming into the last ten minutes he nailed another penalty taking the score to 15 - 3 and as the clock wound down the French wound up.   A crunching, but legal tackle by Courtney Lawes on Parra - he does seem to have taken a liking to French scrum halves - left the Frenchman nursing a dislocated shoulder and in considerable pain.  The break in proceedings did allow Tom Smith to come on for a cameo appearance at this point to tumultuous applause in his last ever game for the Saints. 

The loss of Parra was the final nail and with a couple of minutes left Thomas Genevois the Bourgoin skipper saw red in both senses of the word as he lashed out several time at big Courtney who just looked at him bemused.  I don't know what was more disheartening for Thomas, the red card, the fact that the game was lost or the fact that his best shot has been shrugged off by a callow youth.

When the final whistle went the Saints erupted.  What a return to the big time.  Eighth position in the league, in a very close season, winners of European silver ware and winners of the A league.

I for one am looking forward to next year.

So who caught the eye?

Another marvellous turnout in the votes - my thanks to the 173 who took the time to choose a player.  Only one player failed to pick up at least one vote and I am not saying who that was but it does show how the group of players operate as a team.

The stand out names were, however, Dylan Hartley in 3^rd place with 11.5% of the votes.  Dylan stood up to the abrasive French forwards all evening and kept an even temper despite some very cheap shots.  This boy has come a long way this season.  Well done and thanks Dylan.

In second with over 16% of the votes was Stephen Myler.  Stephen controlled the game at half back and apart from two missed dropped goals was accurate with his kicking.  When Bourgoin were chasing the game - Stpehen kept them pegged back in their own territory.

The winner, and his 3^rd of the season was Neil Best with 30% of the votes.  Neil might have spent 10 minutes away from the fray but he was key in the back row battle that in the end delivered the game to Saints by stifling ball for the opposition.  Thank you Neil for choosing to come and ply your trade in the East Midlands.

Full Result

Previous Winners

Vote History

Who wins?

So a narrow divisional win for the forwards - well I suppose they have a slight numerical advantage on the pitch.

Leader Board

A great first season for Roger Wilson, Neil Best and Ben Foden but the surprise winner this season of the outright trophy was home town boy and pocket rocket Paul Diggin.  Paul certainly punches above his weight and he wears his heart very much on his sleeve.  I for one am very proud of that young lad and do not know what he has to do to receive national recognition.

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