By BrianC
February 25 2004

Many of those reading this article will have been at Twickenham almost two years ago to watch London Irish thrash Northampton and lift the Powergen Cup. After a hundred and four years it was our senior club’s first piece of silverware. For that reason alone the cup holds, and will do for some time, a very special place in the hearts and minds of London Irish supporters.

Newcastle vs London Irish, Kingston Park, Saturday 28th February, K.O. 2.45pm

Last season was a dismal one for us. In the relegation zone for most of the campaign, we escaped only on the last day of the season. One of the few bright spots was the cup where we made it to the semi final. Our quarter final then, as this season, was an away fixture at Newcastle. One where we managed to sneak a 16 -17 victory against most expectations.

A lot of us, his author included, are pleasantly surprised that we have made it this far. When the draw was made back in October we were landed with an away tie at Gloucester. Away matches at Kingsholm are never easy. Our 29 – 35 victory in the 6th round back in November was our first win there in many years. That we managed it in front of the BBC cameras, which will again be present this Saturday, was all the more pleasing.

Having lost badly last weekend at home to Leicester Gary and Paul will no doubt have a tough job on their hands picking the team up and getting them to focus on this fixture. Our earlier injury problems having eased, we cannot blame last Saturdays loss on anyone other than ourselves. Newcastle are not without their own problems. RWC star Jonny Wilkinson is injured and likely to be out for the rest of the season. A string of poor results has caused upset amongst their supporters. There are even calls for their director of rugby, Rob Andrew, to call it a day.

In recent years we have done well in the cup, reaching the semi final on the last four occasions. Can we make it five in a row? It won’t be easy but, as we proved twice last year against all the odds, we are very capable of beating Newcastle on their home turf.

There appears to be quite a tour party on their way to the North East for this game. Amongst other things it gives us an excuse (as if we need one) to celebrate a clutch of birthdays. Let’s hope we have a victory to celebrate as well.