By BrianC
February 28 2003

Our regular match previewer, Billy Hamilton, has come down with a serious dose of work this week. Accordinly this weeks semi-final preview has been left to me.

Powergen Cup Semi-final

London Irish vs Northampton Saints

Sunday 2nd March 2003, Kassam Stadium Oxford.

Kick off 2pm, live on BBC2

 

Sunday sees us playing Northampton Saints in the semi-final of the Powergen cup. Few, if any, of us will need reminding that we are the current cup holders having comprehensively out played the Saints in last years final. 

This year our performances have been erratic. Ironically one of our better ones was against the Saints at Franklin Gardens in January when we again ran out winners. The bookies have us going into Sundays game as underdogs. The overall Powergen Cup odds are 6/4 Gloucester, 9/4 Leicester, 3/1 Northampton and 5/1 London Irish.

As is not uncommon at this stage in the season, both sides have been hit by injuries. Amongst those ruled out are for London Irish Ryan Strudwick and Justin Bishop, for Northampton Ben Cohen and Andy Blowers. Mr. Dawson will be on the field unlike the January game where he took on the role of water carrier/assistant coach.

This is a huge game for both sides, arguably more so for ourselves. Not only is there the prize of a great day out at Twickenham for the winner, in our case retaining the cup is our only realistic chance of securing a place in Europe's premier competition, the Heineken Cup, next year.

The Kassam Stadium is on the outskirts of Oxford, full details can be found in OxonRob's excellent Kassam Stadium Guide.

The London Irish Supporters Club are holding one of their now legendary car park parties before the game. You do not need to be a member to attend however bring a contribution to the cause in either liquid or monetary form. If you are not yet a member, expect to be one shortly after you attend, it is £5 very well spent.